TE ANAU _ The rabbit calicivirus disease is to be released in the Te Anau basin, in what could be a national first.

The Te Anau Basin Pest Destruction Group said yesterday the RCD virus would be released in late autumn or early winter.

Farmers in the Te Anau Basin had earlier been urged to wait before introducing RCD in an uncontrolled and unmanaged manner while the pest destruction group explored all the facts.

But a recent explosion in rabbit numbers in the region, combined with a presumption that the virus was likely to arrive eventually or be released by someone, had prompted the group to step in and confirm it would introduce the disease.

Te Anau Basin Pest Destruction Group chairman Ross Cockburn said the group felt strongly the virus should be introduced at the most effective time.

The decision had been made in close consultation with scientists from Invermay Research Centre and Landcare Research, Mr Cockburn said.

The pest destruction group plans to get a prepared strain imported by a commercial operator, which would guarantee a maximum kill rate and lessen the chance of rabbits developing an immunity. The RCD would then be spread at selected spots using either baited oats or carrots.

The group asked farmers in the Te Anau basin to be patient and to wait for the organised release programme.

RCD was just one tool in the war against rabbits, Mr Cockburn said. After an initial release, follow-up control by conventional methods would still be required to keep rabbit numbers down.

Te Anau vet and pest destruction group member Brian Vidler said the RCD release would also be effective on small holdings and rural land close to Te Anau and Manapouri.

Scientists had assured the group there had been no species transfer of the virus, even to hares, which were closest to rabbits.