The article "Rabbit Virus - is it breeding disaster?" BY A.J. HOSTETLER (April 2, 1998) is no longer available free of charge but you can purchase the article from the Richmond Times Dispatch over the internet.

"Rabbit Virus-Is it breeding disaster?" is a good source article to obtain for anyone studying the RHD saga.

This article had a map with it as well showing the spread of RCD across the world although the map is now out of date because of a recent outbreak of RCD/RHD in Iowa, in the USA (not shown on the map).

The article "Rabbit Virus - is it breeding disaster?" (Times Dispatch 2/4/1998), contained quotes by USA virologist and calicivirus expert Dr David Matson. In this article Dr Matson said "It blows my mind that they would release this in Australia without any way to protect human life."

The article went on to say "What Matson and a handful of other experts worry about is that one country's determination to eradicate a foreign species has set loose a virus with a fearsome reputation and unknown consequences."

"Little has been learned about RHD since it was first identified as the cause of a fatal epidemic among rabbits in China in 1984. Generally, it's considered a "species-specific virus," meaning that the rabbit, the European rabbit in particular, is its only host." said the article

The article goes on to say "But in the past few years, that notion has been challenged. The virus' sudden and deadly emergence in China and rapid spread throughout Europe suggest that it may have started as a less-deadly form in another animal. No one bothered to look for RHD in humans because scientists assumed it didn't infect people."

The article refers to the fact RCD/RHD may have affected human health. It says "In March, Matson received new data from the health studies, which were obtained by an Australian citizen who used the Freedom of Information act to gain the information. Although the Australian scientists say the survey indicates that the level of antibodies is too low to qualify as an immunological response to RHD, Matson says his analysis shows otherwise."

This article also refers to Dr Alvin Smith of the Laboratory for Calicivirus Studies in the USA as being very concerned about the RCD/RHD virus.

It says "Data obtained by Smith, who heads the Laboratory for Calicivirus Studies at Oregon State University's vet school, show that the risk of illness among Australians doubled if the person was exposed to RHD. The reported illnesses include gastroenteritis and diarrhea, as well as flulike and neurological symptoms."

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