Rabbits will face the chop next autumn

The New Zealand Rabbit Coordination Group (RCG) had hoped to release the new strain this year, at the same time as an Australian release, but could not complete a complicated approvals process in time.

However, the new strain still needs approval by the Ministry for Primary Industries under the Agricultural Chemicals and Veterinary Medicines (ACVM) Act 1997 and the Biosecurity Act 1993.

Environment Canterbury, managing the approval process for the RCG, has applied to MPI for those approvals and MPI has called for public submissions, closing on December 14.

MPI says before it will register the new strain it will consider the benefits of the release to the agricultural sector, and risks to animal welfare, farming, trade and public health.

“This includes the risk to pet and farmed rabbits and the availability of protection by a vaccine.”

Calicivirus (RHDV1) causes a fatal rabbit haemorrhagic disease. It is widespread in New Zealand after its unapproved release in 1997, but has lost efficacy after the initial spread and rabbit numbers have recovered in many areas. The new variant, RHDV1 K5, is a Korean strain believed better at overcoming the protective effects of a benign calicivirus which occurs naturally in feral rabbits and gives some immunity.

Graham Sullivan, ECan regional leader biosecurity, says that when this year’s hoped-for release was shelved it was considered important to delay the release to next autumn -- the time of greatest effectiveness. During autumn there are no naturally immune newborn rabbits, and carrot bait is then most attractive and it lasts better on the ground. Then also, UV light, which affects the virus’s efficacy, is lower.

The RCG includes representatives from regional and district councils, Federated Farmers, the Department of Conservation, the Ministry for Primary Industries and Land Information New Zealand. The release of the new strain is expected to be managed by the territorial authorities.