Western Tiers, Tuesday, April 15, 1997 [Tasmania, Australia - regional newspaper]

Questionable release of Calicivirus.

There are dozens of people in our area who have been to their doctors with vague symptoms of being unwell.
The symptoms as reported are as follows:

1.Sore Eyes and Headaches
2.Double vision
3.Lassitude, (feeling tired)
4.Aching joints and bones
5.Vague indigestion

Many people have had thorough check-ups, including Blood Tests and Doctors have no answers. The question remains, what is causing these symptoms? Many people are blaming the Calicivirus release in our area, people are saying and asking could this untested (on humans) and much of our native wildlife be the cause?

Reports are about of Brush Possums, Ringtails [possums], Native Hens and Bandicoots being found with no apparent or visible signs of death.

It is suggested that anyone finding one of these victims, should perhaps, get the specimen tested for Calicivirus symptoms through an autopsy (though will the truth of the test be published or said?). Despite the government denying the release of the Calicivirus, we must all therefore condemn any such activity as questionable and dangerous. An inquiry at Government level should be sought as to the truth or otherwise. It should be noted that Calicivirus can jump species.