The illegal spread of RCD (rabbit hemorrhagic disease) in New Zealand by farmers
is no reason for the New Zealand government to reverse its previous decision of
"NO" to RCD/RHD which was based on thorough scientific investigation into the issue.
The back-door approach of rogue New Zealand farmers in importing the deadly disease of mammals
for which there is no cure and no safe vaccines to protect any species other than rabbits, is deplorable.
If New Zealand cabinet considers legalising the RCD/RHD disease only on the
basis that it it out of control now due to illegal spread, they make a mockery of their own consideration
process which considered over 800 submissions from around the world and they make a mockery of
their own legal system. Those who imported and spread the disease broke the law and a thorough investigation
of the whole matter should be continued by police. This should involve investigation of authorities in both
New Zealand and Australia, especially considering that Australian authorities are working on the preparation
of RCD baits and this is the technology used by New Zealand farmers to spread the disease (New Zealand farmers
mixed the internal organs of infected rabbits with oats and spread these baits both manually and possibly from helicopters).
The question has to be asked "Were Australian authorities involved in the illegal import
of RHD/RCD into New Zealand?". It is well known that Australian authorities at the highest levels
lost face when New Zealand said "NO" to the use of RCD/RHD as a biological control agent.
4 out of 5 major calicivirus groups already cause disease in humans. RCD/RHD is the last group
not yet proven to also cause disease in humans. However, preliminary antibody levels observed in humans in Australia
supposedly exposed to RCD have been far greater than those persons not exposed to RCD (Rabbit Information Service
has obtained these figures). Antibodies are usually the result of infection. Therefore it seems highly irresponsible to deliberately spread this deadly hemorrhagic
disease of mammals which has only been in existence since 1984.
End.