New virus wanted for resistant rabbits

A regional council has asked to import a new strain of an infectious disease to control a spreading rabbit population.

Environment Canterbury (ECan) has applied for permission to import a Korean strain of the Rabbit Haemorrhagic Virus Disease, known as RHDV1-K5.

An existing form of the virus is widespread in New Zealand, but many rabbits had become resistant to it.

The new strain would be more effective at slowing the population growth of rabbits, which is pronounced in South Canterbury and parts of Otago.

The virus only affects rabbits. It has no consequences for human health.

If approved, the virus would be released in autumn. Carrots dosed with the virus would be fed to wild rabbits in priority areas.

Use of the virus would likely spread nationwide.

Importation of the virus was effectively approved by the Environmental Protection Agency last year.

Usage of the virus has to be approved by the Ministry for Pri- mary Industries, which is asking for public comment.

MPI wanted to hear from owners of pet rabbits, and would be deciding whether they could be adequately protected through vaccinations.

A petition presented to Parliament earlier this year asked that decisions regarding the virus be delayed until an effective vaccine was found.

‘‘The strain of RHDV that already exists in New Zealand has a vaccine which is being used to protect [pet rabbits] against the new strain in other countries,’’ said Allan Kinsella, an MPI director.

‘‘As part of MPI’s assessment we will be considering evidence of protection against the new strain.’’

The first strain of the virus was released illegally in Cromwell in 1997, shortly after authorities decided not to allow the virus to be imported. It was intentionally spread, but had been released at the wrong time, limiting its effectiveness.

The new strain has been approved for use in Australia.

Rabbits are a pest and can have a destructive effect on rural land.

Submissions close on December 14.