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Contrary to some media reports, there is no evidence of rabbit calicivirus on the Australian mainland.
CSIRO scientists, with help from Primary Industries South Australia, are continuing surveillance in the Point Pearce/Port Victoria vicinity of SA. Over the past two days, a number of large and active warren systems have been examined with no evidence of rabbit calicivirus.
Surveillance will continue until elimination of the virus from Wardang Island is confirmed.
Rabbit calicivirus, a naturally occurring virus in the northern hemisphere, was being tested as a biological control agent. After three years of testing of the virus at CSIRO Australian Animal Health Laboratory showed RCD was safe for all animals except rabbits, the virus was released into quarantine pens on Wardang Island in March 1995.
Rabbit calicivirus spread well amongst penned warrens but has surfaced in two limited zones outside the quarantine site. This breach of quarantine restrictions resulted in immediate implementation of containment measures.
Rabbits in all affected warrens have been culled. The limited spread indicates that the virus has been contained and the sources of infection removed so further spread is unlikely.
Staff on Wardang Island have walked over a thousand kilometres over the island to check for signs of further disease spread incidents. No further RCD deaths have been detected since October 6.
The Wardang Island trials, which were approved by Commonwealth and State agencies, are designed to establish the impact and persistence of the virus in Australian conditions and follow three years work at CSIRO AAHL. The spread of the virus outside of the fenced quarantine area suggests that rabbit calicivirus is highly infectious, enhancing its potential for rabbit control.
Containment plans are in place in the unlikely event of spread to the mainland.
Rabbit populations in the region are being monitored by CSIRO with the assistance of Primary Industries South Australia.
Stocks of vaccines have been imported for emergency use and, subject to further testing, could be made available to protect domestic rabbits if the virus ever appeared on the mainland.
Rabbit Calicivirus is a naturally occurring . It does not affect people or any other species including domestic, feral and native animals. The results of the project will be assessed and presented for national public consultation in 1996.
For further information contact:
Niall Byrne at CSIRO AAHL
For information in the Port Victoria area, residents should contact :
Primary Industries South Australia
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