RABBIT HEMORRHAGIC DISEASE VIRUS INTRODUCED - NEW ZEALAND (02)
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A ProMED-mail post
Date: Wed, 27 Aug 1997 10:55:50 +1200
From: Stu MacDiarmid <macdiarmids@ra.maf.govt.nz>
RCD [a rabbit calicivirus, in this instance meaning rabbit hemorrhagic
disease virus; see previous posting for proper taxonomy -- Mod CHC] Confirmed
in South Island
The Ministry of Agriculture has confirmed that rabbit calicivirus disease
(RCD) has been detected in dead rabbits taken from one property in the
Cromwell area in the South Island.
That six samples from three rabbits reacted positively to tests using RCD
antigen detection kits from the world reference laboratory for RCD in Italy.
There have also been reports of suspicious deaths on properties in Twizel
and the Maniototo, suggesting that disease is widespread in the South Island.
It appears this disease has been deliberately and illegally introduced by
people wanting to use it as a biocontrol tool, MAF Chief Veterinary Officer
Dr Barry O'Neil said. This is an incredibly irresponsible thing to do,
particularly given that in these circumstances there are no guarantees that
what has been released is a pure strain of the virus. There is a risk,
however small, that it could be contaminated with other diseases which could
pose a threat to animals other than rabbits.
Fortunately, MAF has well-prepared contingency plans in place to deal with
just such an event, Dr O'Neil said. This includes having pre-purchased
20,000 doses of RCD vaccine. Ten thousand of these doses are already in New
Zealand; the rest are in Australia.
MAF will retain 5,000 doses of the pre-purchased vaccine for use in the areas
of highest priority and the remaining 15,000 will be available for purchase.
Dr O'Neil said rabbit owners could also follow practical steps to help
minimise the risk of spread to domestic or laboratory rabbits. Rabbit owners
wanting more information should contact their veterinarian or local MAF
office.(see attachment)
He said MAF was also taking the following action:
1. A MAF local operations head quarters for the South Island has been
set up at Invermay (Mosgiel)
2. Restricted Place notices have been served on four Cromwell
properties where unusual rabbit deaths have been recorded, meaning no risk
materials, such as rabbit carcases or other livestock, can be moved in or out
3. A Controlled Area is being established in the Cromwell area
4. MAF staff, accompanied by regional council pest control people, will
be taking rabbit samples from properties within the suspect area
5. MAF will be assessing the feasibility of shooting and poisoning to
control rabbits within the affected area
6. Roadblocks will be set up by the Police on all roads leading into
the controlled area
7. Enhanced monitoring for suspicious rabbit deaths will be carried out
in the rest of the South Island and the east coast of the North Island in
co-operation with regional councils
8. Any suspicious properties will have Restricted Place notices served
on them
The above measures are designed to contain and control the disease whilst the
extent of the spread is assessed. Decisions about any further action will be
taken once this has been ascertained.
The source of the infection is not known at this stage but the Ministry is
carrying out investigations. Heavy penalties exist under the Biosecurity Act
for anyone found guilty of deliberately introducing an unwanted organism,
including the possibility of making the guilty party contribute to the cost
of control.
Other affected government departments have been notified, including the
Ministry of Health, Department of Conservation, Ministry for the Environment,
Te Puni Kokiri, Treasury. Representatives of these departments, along with
MAF, have been formed into an Advisory Committee.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has also been notified, as have
trading partners and international regulatory authorities.
Media inquiries to:
Dr Barry O'Neil, Chief Veterinary Officer, MAF Regulatory Authority (04)
474 4128 Debbie Gee, Manager, Corporate Communications (04) 474 4258
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT RCD VACCINE
The vaccine is called CYLAP and is made by the company Cyanamid in Spain.
Twenty thousand doses of this have been pre-purchased by MAF.
Rabbits are immunised at about ten weeks of age. Rabbits are given two
doses, approximately a week apart. The timing of vaccination is critical
because maternal antibodies, which are passed on by mothers to their young,
confer temporary immunity, but can inactivate the vaccine. At ten weeks, most
of the maternal antibodies in young rabbits have disappeared.
The RCD vaccine is a killed vaccine, which means it does not contain live
virus and is not dangerous to rabbits. It is safe to eat meat from vaccinated
rabbits.
The vaccine is produced from virus grown in rabbits.
As with all vaccines, it should not be used on any rabbit showing any kind
of illness.
In Europe, where RCD has been present for about 10 years, vaccines have been
effective in reducing the incidence of the disease.
To order CYLAP, phone 0800 326 326.
Other risk reducing steps for rabbit owners--
MAF is also advising rabbit owners of the following practical steps they can
take to help minimise the risk of spread to domestic rabbits:
1. provide good insect control using appropriate mesh around hutches.
Insect strips or repellents are also a good idea.
2. eliminate contact with outside rabbits
3. avoid contact with other people's rabbits or hutches
4. do not share equipment with other rabbit owners
5. decontaminate any equipment which is in doubt using bleach or strong
disinfectants
6. quarantine/isolate any new rabbit introduced to the group
7. do not use feed that may have been in contact with other wild or
domestic rabbits
Rabbit owners wanting more information should contact their veterinarian
or local MAF office.
---
Stu MacDiarmid
e-mail: <macdiarmids@ra.maf.govt.nz>