❓ A parliamentary question addresses the resurgence of rabbit populations in WA after the introduction of calicivirus, inquiring about monitoring, prognosis, new control methods, and the vulnerability of rabbits to myxomatosis. The Minister provides detailed responses regarding current research and control strategies.
AnsweredQoN 1616Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I have raised this matter before, but it is becoming increasingly important. I refer to the revival of the rabbit population, as there appears to be some evidence that this pest is recovering from the effects of the calicivirus and numbers are starting to increase. (1) Would the minister please advise the House whether his department is monitoring the rabbit population? (2) If so, what is his department’s prognosis regarding this possible recovery from the effect of the calicivirus amongst the rabbit population? (3) Is any work in hand to discover any new method of control? (4) Is the minister aware of any investigations being done within Australia to increase the potency of the calicivirus? (5) Is it anticipated that the new generation of post-calicivirus rabbits will still be vulnerable to myxomatosis? Hon KIM CHANCE
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for some notice of this question. The disease to which the honourable member refers is now more commonly called rabbit haemorrhagic disease or RHD. That is because calicivirus virus is really descriptive of a family of a particular type of virus. (1) Yes. Rabbit populations are monitored by interactions between landholders and departmental staff through requests for advice on other rabbit control methods. (2) The department does not consider that the reported current increase would be due to recovery from the effects of RHD. It is common for rabbit populations to be at their peak at this time of the year, following the winter breeding. Numbers regularly decline over the subsequent summer period. Rabbit populations will continue to fluctuate as a result of breeding, the impact of biological control agents and controls by landholders. Research has indicated that not all members of rabbit populations succumb to RHD. Young rabbits are not susceptible and may become immune to the future effects of RHD and breed in subsequent years. The honourable member was not in Parliament at the time, but when in opposition I warned against the release of RHD or calicivirus on these very grounds. Hon Peter Foss: Everybody knew that, but unfortunately somebody got to it. Hon KIM CHANCE: Yes; however it was always going to be a disease subject to rapid build-up of resistance. More recent research also indicates the pre-existence of a similar virus that appears to make some rabbits less susceptible to RHD. These factors mean that rabbit populations are likely to fluctuate depending on their history of exposure to the virus, seasonal conditions and the amount of control undertaken by landholders. (3) For the past 12 years the Department of Agriculture has been a partner in the Pest Animal Control Cooperative Research Centre, which has been developing a new biocontrol agent for rabbits based on the concept of immunosterility. This aims to alter the myxomatosis virus to cause sterility in the rabbit. (4) No. There is no evidence to date of RHD decreasing in virulence. The impact of RHD and myxomatosis can be improved by landholders implementing other forms of rabbit control after the diseases have occurred. Such controls include baiting, fumigation and ripping of warrens, and removal of rabbit refuge areas. (5) To date, RHD does not appear to have lessened the occurrence or impact of myxomatosis on rabbits. Outbreaks of both diseases continue to cycle through many rabbit populations, sometimes simultaneously.
(1) Would the minister please advise the House whether his department is monitoring the rabbit population? (2) If so, what is his department’s prognosis regarding this possible recovery from the effect of the calicivirus amongst the rabbit population? (3) Is any work in hand to discover any new method of control? (4) Is the minister aware of any investigations being done within Australia to increase the potency of the calicivirus? (5) Is it anticipated that the new generation of post-calicivirus rabbits will still be vulnerable to myxomatosis? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank the member for some notice of this question. The disease to which the honourable member refers is now more commonly called rabbit haemorrhagic disease or RHD. That is because calicivirus virus is really descriptive of a family of a particular type of virus. (1) Yes. Rabbit populations are monitored by interactions between landholders and departmental staff through requests for advice on other rabbit control methods. (2) The department does not consider that the reported current increase would be due to recovery from the effects of RHD. It is common for rabbit populations to be at their peak at this time of the year, following the winter breeding. Numbers regularly decline over the subsequent summer period. Rabbit populations will continue to fluctuate as a result of breeding, the impact of biological control agents and controls by landholders. Research has indicated that not all members of rabbit populations succumb to RHD. Young rabbits are not susceptible and may become immune to the future effects of RHD and breed in subsequent years. The honourable member was not in Parliament at the time, but when in opposition I warned against the release of RHD or calicivirus on these very grounds. Hon Peter Foss: Everybody knew that, but unfortunately somebody got to it. Hon KIM CHANCE: Yes; however it was always going to be a disease subject to rapid build-up of resistance. More recent research also indicates the pre-existence of a similar virus that appears to make some rabbits less susceptible to RHD. These factors mean that rabbit populations are likely to fluctuate depending on their history of exposure to the virus, seasonal conditions and the amount of control undertaken by landholders. (3) For the past 12 years the Department of Agriculture has been a partner in the Pest Animal Control Cooperative Research Centre, which has been developing a new biocontrol agent for rabbits based on the concept of immunosterility. This aims to alter the myxomatosis virus to cause sterility in the rabbit. (4) No. There is no evidence to date of RHD decreasing in virulence. The impact of RHD and myxomatosis can be improved by landholders implementing other forms of rabbit control after the diseases have occurred. Such controls include baiting, fumigation and ripping of warrens, and removal of rabbit refuge areas. (5) To date, RHD does not appear to have lessened the occurrence or impact of myxomatosis on rabbits. Outbreaks of both diseases continue to cycle through many rabbit populations, sometimes simultaneously.
(2) If so, what is his department’s prognosis regarding this possible recovery from the effect of the calicivirus amongst the rabbit population? (3) Is any work in hand to discover any new method of control? (4) Is the minister aware of any investigations being done within Australia to increase the potency of the calicivirus? (5) Is it anticipated that the new generation of post-calicivirus rabbits will still be vulnerable to myxomatosis? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank the member for some notice of this question. The disease to which the honourable member refers is now more commonly called rabbit haemorrhagic disease or RHD. That is because calicivirus virus is really descriptive of a family of a particular type of virus. (1) Yes. Rabbit populations are monitored by interactions between landholders and departmental staff through requests for advice on other rabbit control methods. (2) The department does not consider that the reported current increase would be due to recovery from the effects of RHD. It is common for rabbit populations to be at their peak at this time of the year, following the winter breeding. Numbers regularly decline over the subsequent summer period. Rabbit populations will continue to fluctuate as a result of breeding, the impact of biological control agents and controls by landholders. Research has indicated that not all members of rabbit populations succumb to RHD. Young rabbits are not susceptible and may become immune to the future effects of RHD and breed in subsequent years. The honourable member was not in Parliament at the time, but when in opposition I warned against the release of RHD or calicivirus on these very grounds. Hon Peter Foss: Everybody knew that, but unfortunately somebody got to it. Hon KIM CHANCE: Yes; however it was always going to be a disease subject to rapid build-up of resistance. More recent research also indicates the pre-existence of a similar virus that appears to make some rabbits less susceptible to RHD. These factors mean that rabbit populations are likely to fluctuate depending on their history of exposure to the virus, seasonal conditions and the amount of control undertaken by landholders. (3) For the past 12 years the Department of Agriculture has been a partner in the Pest Animal Control Cooperative Research Centre, which has been developing a new biocontrol agent for rabbits based on the concept of immunosterility. This aims to alter the myxomatosis virus to cause sterility in the rabbit. (4) No. There is no evidence to date of RHD decreasing in virulence. The impact of RHD and myxomatosis can be improved by landholders implementing other forms of rabbit control after the diseases have occurred. Such controls include baiting, fumigation and ripping of warrens, and removal of rabbit refuge areas. (5) To date, RHD does not appear to have lessened the occurrence or impact of myxomatosis on rabbits. Outbreaks of both diseases continue to cycle through many rabbit populations, sometimes simultaneously.
(3) Is any work in hand to discover any new method of control? (4) Is the minister aware of any investigations being done within Australia to increase the potency of the calicivirus? (5) Is it anticipated that the new generation of post-calicivirus rabbits will still be vulnerable to myxomatosis? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank the member for some notice of this question. The disease to which the honourable member refers is now more commonly called rabbit haemorrhagic disease or RHD. That is because calicivirus virus is really descriptive of a family of a particular type of virus. (1) Yes. Rabbit populations are monitored by interactions between landholders and departmental staff through requests for advice on other rabbit control methods. (2) The department does not consider that the reported current increase would be due to recovery from the effects of RHD. It is common for rabbit populations to be at their peak at this time of the year, following the winter breeding. Numbers regularly decline over the subsequent summer period. Rabbit populations will continue to fluctuate as a result of breeding, the impact of biological control agents and controls by landholders. Research has indicated that not all members of rabbit populations succumb to RHD. Young rabbits are not susceptible and may become immune to the future effects of RHD and breed in subsequent years. The honourable member was not in Parliament at the time, but when in opposition I warned against the release of RHD or calicivirus on these very grounds. Hon Peter Foss: Everybody knew that, but unfortunately somebody got to it. Hon KIM CHANCE: Yes; however it was always going to be a disease subject to rapid build-up of resistance. More recent research also indicates the pre-existence of a similar virus that appears to make some rabbits less susceptible to RHD. These factors mean that rabbit populations are likely to fluctuate depending on their history of exposure to the virus, seasonal conditions and the amount of control undertaken by landholders. (3) For the past 12 years the Department of Agriculture has been a partner in the Pest Animal Control Cooperative Research Centre, which has been developing a new biocontrol agent for rabbits based on the concept of immunosterility. This aims to alter the myxomatosis virus to cause sterility in the rabbit. (4) No. There is no evidence to date of RHD decreasing in virulence. The impact of RHD and myxomatosis can be improved by landholders implementing other forms of rabbit control after the diseases have occurred. Such controls include baiting, fumigation and ripping of warrens, and removal of rabbit refuge areas. (5) To date, RHD does not appear to have lessened the occurrence or impact of myxomatosis on rabbits. Outbreaks of both diseases continue to cycle through many rabbit populations, sometimes simultaneously.
(4) Is the minister aware of any investigations being done within Australia to increase the potency of the calicivirus? (5) Is it anticipated that the new generation of post-calicivirus rabbits will still be vulnerable to myxomatosis? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank the member for some notice of this question. The disease to which the honourable member refers is now more commonly called rabbit haemorrhagic disease or RHD. That is because calicivirus virus is really descriptive of a family of a particular type of virus. (1) Yes. Rabbit populations are monitored by interactions between landholders and departmental staff through requests for advice on other rabbit control methods. (2) The department does not consider that the reported current increase would be due to recovery from the effects of RHD. It is common for rabbit populations to be at their peak at this time of the year, following the winter breeding. Numbers regularly decline over the subsequent summer period. Rabbit populations will continue to fluctuate as a result of breeding, the impact of biological control agents and controls by landholders. Research has indicated that not all members of rabbit populations succumb to RHD. Young rabbits are not susceptible and may become immune to the future effects of RHD and breed in subsequent years. The honourable member was not in Parliament at the time, but when in opposition I warned against the release of RHD or calicivirus on these very grounds. Hon Peter Foss: Everybody knew that, but unfortunately somebody got to it. Hon KIM CHANCE: Yes; however it was always going to be a disease subject to rapid build-up of resistance. More recent research also indicates the pre-existence of a similar virus that appears to make some rabbits less susceptible to RHD. These factors mean that rabbit populations are likely to fluctuate depending on their history of exposure to the virus, seasonal conditions and the amount of control undertaken by landholders. (3) For the past 12 years the Department of Agriculture has been a partner in the Pest Animal Control Cooperative Research Centre, which has been developing a new biocontrol agent for rabbits based on the concept of immunosterility. This aims to alter the myxomatosis virus to cause sterility in the rabbit. (4) No. There is no evidence to date of RHD decreasing in virulence. The impact of RHD and myxomatosis can be improved by landholders implementing other forms of rabbit control after the diseases have occurred. Such controls include baiting, fumigation and ripping of warrens, and removal of rabbit refuge areas. (5) To date, RHD does not appear to have lessened the occurrence or impact of myxomatosis on rabbits. Outbreaks of both diseases continue to cycle through many rabbit populations, sometimes simultaneously.
(5) Is it anticipated that the new generation of post-calicivirus rabbits will still be vulnerable to myxomatosis? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank the member for some notice of this question. The disease to which the honourable member refers is now more commonly called rabbit haemorrhagic disease or RHD. That is because calicivirus virus is really descriptive of a family of a particular type of virus. (1) Yes. Rabbit populations are monitored by interactions between landholders and departmental staff through requests for advice on other rabbit control methods. (2) The department does not consider that the reported current increase would be due to recovery from the effects of RHD. It is common for rabbit populations to be at their peak at this time of the year, following the winter breeding. Numbers regularly decline over the subsequent summer period. Rabbit populations will continue to fluctuate as a result of breeding, the impact of biological control agents and controls by landholders. Research has indicated that not all members of rabbit populations succumb to RHD. Young rabbits are not susceptible and may become immune to the future effects of RHD and breed in subsequent years. The honourable member was not in Parliament at the time, but when in opposition I warned against the release of RHD or calicivirus on these very grounds. Hon Peter Foss: Everybody knew that, but unfortunately somebody got to it. Hon KIM CHANCE: Yes; however it was always going to be a disease subject to rapid build-up of resistance. More recent research also indicates the pre-existence of a similar virus that appears to make some rabbits less susceptible to RHD. These factors mean that rabbit populations are likely to fluctuate depending on their history of exposure to the virus, seasonal conditions and the amount of control undertaken by landholders. (3) For the past 12 years the Department of Agriculture has been a partner in the Pest Animal Control Cooperative Research Centre, which has been developing a new biocontrol agent for rabbits based on the concept of immunosterility. This aims to alter the myxomatosis virus to cause sterility in the rabbit. (4) No. There is no evidence to date of RHD decreasing in virulence. The impact of RHD and myxomatosis can be improved by landholders implementing other forms of rabbit control after the diseases have occurred. Such controls include baiting, fumigation and ripping of warrens, and removal of rabbit refuge areas. (5) To date, RHD does not appear to have lessened the occurrence or impact of myxomatosis on rabbits. Outbreaks of both diseases continue to cycle through many rabbit populations, sometimes simultaneously.
Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank the member for some notice of this question. The disease to which the honourable member refers is now more commonly called rabbit haemorrhagic disease or RHD. That is because calicivirus virus is really descriptive of a family of a particular type of virus. (1) Yes. Rabbit populations are monitored by interactions between landholders and departmental staff through requests for advice on other rabbit control methods. (2) The department does not consider that the reported current increase would be due to recovery from the effects of RHD. It is common for rabbit populations to be at their peak at this time of the year, following the winter breeding. Numbers regularly decline over the subsequent summer period. Rabbit populations will continue to fluctuate as a result of breeding, the impact of biological control agents and controls by landholders. Research has indicated that not all members of rabbit populations succumb to RHD. Young rabbits are not susceptible and may become immune to the future effects of RHD and breed in subsequent years. The honourable member was not in Parliament at the time, but when in opposition I warned against the release of RHD or calicivirus on these very grounds. Hon Peter Foss: Everybody knew that, but unfortunately somebody got to it. Hon KIM CHANCE: Yes; however it was always going to be a disease subject to rapid build-up of resistance. More recent research also indicates the pre-existence of a similar virus that appears to make some rabbits less susceptible to RHD. These factors mean that rabbit populations are likely to fluctuate depending on their history of exposure to the virus, seasonal conditions and the amount of control undertaken by landholders. (3) For the past 12 years the Department of Agriculture has been a partner in the Pest Animal Control Cooperative Research Centre, which has been developing a new biocontrol agent for rabbits based on the concept of immunosterility. This aims to alter the myxomatosis virus to cause sterility in the rabbit. (4) No. There is no evidence to date of RHD decreasing in virulence. The impact of RHD and myxomatosis can be improved by landholders implementing other forms of rabbit control after the diseases have occurred. Such controls include baiting, fumigation and ripping of warrens, and removal of rabbit refuge areas. (5) To date, RHD does not appear to have lessened the occurrence or impact of myxomatosis on rabbits. Outbreaks of both diseases continue to cycle through many rabbit populations, sometimes simultaneously.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. The disease to which the honourable member refers is now more commonly called rabbit haemorrhagic disease or RHD. That is because calicivirus virus is really descriptive of a family of a particular type of virus. (1) Yes. Rabbit populations are monitored by interactions between landholders and departmental staff through requests for advice on other rabbit control methods. (2) The department does not consider that the reported current increase would be due to recovery from the effects of RHD. It is common for rabbit populations to be at their peak at this time of the year, following the winter breeding. Numbers regularly decline over the subsequent summer period. Rabbit populations will continue to fluctuate as a result of breeding, the impact of biological control agents and controls by landholders. Research has indicated that not all members of rabbit populations succumb to RHD. Young rabbits are not susceptible and may become immune to the future effects of RHD and breed in subsequent years. The honourable member was not in Parliament at the time, but when in opposition I warned against the release of RHD or calicivirus on these very grounds. Hon Peter Foss: Everybody knew that, but unfortunately somebody got to it. Hon KIM CHANCE: Yes; however it was always going to be a disease subject to rapid build-up of resistance. More recent research also indicates the pre-existence of a similar virus that appears to make some rabbits less susceptible to RHD. These factors mean that rabbit populations are likely to fluctuate depending on their history of exposure to the virus, seasonal conditions and the amount of control undertaken by landholders. (3) For the past 12 years the Department of Agriculture has been a partner in the Pest Animal Control Cooperative Research Centre, which has been developing a new biocontrol agent for rabbits based on the concept of immunosterility. This aims to alter the myxomatosis virus to cause sterility in the rabbit. (4) No. There is no evidence to date of RHD decreasing in virulence. The impact of RHD and myxomatosis can be improved by landholders implementing other forms of rabbit control after the diseases have occurred. Such controls include baiting, fumigation and ripping of warrens, and removal of rabbit refuge areas. (5) To date, RHD does not appear to have lessened the occurrence or impact of myxomatosis on rabbits. Outbreaks of both diseases continue to cycle through many rabbit populations, sometimes simultaneously.
(1) Yes. Rabbit populations are monitored by interactions between landholders and departmental staff through requests for advice on other rabbit control methods. (2) The department does not consider that the reported current increase would be due to recovery from the effects of RHD. It is common for rabbit populations to be at their peak at this time of the year, following the winter breeding. Numbers regularly decline over the subsequent summer period. Rabbit populations will continue to fluctuate as a result of breeding, the impact of biological control agents and controls by landholders. Research has indicated that not all members of rabbit populations succumb to RHD. Young rabbits are not susceptible and may become immune to the future effects of RHD and breed in subsequent years. The honourable member was not in Parliament at the time, but when in opposition I warned against the release of RHD or calicivirus on these very grounds. Hon Peter Foss: Everybody knew that, but unfortunately somebody got to it. Hon KIM CHANCE: Yes; however it was always going to be a disease subject to rapid build-up of resistance. More recent research also indicates the pre-existence of a similar virus that appears to make some rabbits less susceptible to RHD. These factors mean that rabbit populations are likely to fluctuate depending on their history of exposure to the virus, seasonal conditions and the amount of control undertaken by landholders. (3) For the past 12 years the Department of Agriculture has been a partner in the Pest Animal Control Cooperative Research Centre, which has been developing a new biocontrol agent for rabbits based on the concept of immunosterility. This aims to alter the myxomatosis virus to cause sterility in the rabbit. (4) No. There is no evidence to date of RHD decreasing in virulence. The impact of RHD and myxomatosis can be improved by landholders implementing other forms of rabbit control after the diseases have occurred. Such controls include baiting, fumigation and ripping of warrens, and removal of rabbit refuge areas. (5) To date, RHD does not appear to have lessened the occurrence or impact of myxomatosis on rabbits. Outbreaks of both diseases continue to cycle through many rabbit populations, sometimes simultaneously.
(2) The department does not consider that the reported current increase would be due to recovery from the effects of RHD. It is common for rabbit populations to be at their peak at this time of the year, following the winter breeding. Numbers regularly decline over the subsequent summer period. Rabbit populations will continue to fluctuate as a result of breeding, the impact of biological control agents and controls by landholders. Research has indicated that not all members of rabbit populations succumb to RHD. Young rabbits are not susceptible and may become immune to the future effects of RHD and breed in subsequent years. The honourable member was not in Parliament at the time, but when in opposition I warned against the release of RHD or calicivirus on these very grounds. Hon Peter Foss: Everybody knew that, but unfortunately somebody got to it. Hon KIM CHANCE: Yes; however it was always going to be a disease subject to rapid build-up of resistance. More recent research also indicates the pre-existence of a similar virus that appears to make some rabbits less susceptible to RHD. These factors mean that rabbit populations are likely to fluctuate depending on their history of exposure to the virus, seasonal conditions and the amount of control undertaken by landholders. (3) For the past 12 years the Department of Agriculture has been a partner in the Pest Animal Control Cooperative Research Centre, which has been developing a new biocontrol agent for rabbits based on the concept of immunosterility. This aims to alter the myxomatosis virus to cause sterility in the rabbit. (4) No. There is no evidence to date of RHD decreasing in virulence. The impact of RHD and myxomatosis can be improved by landholders implementing other forms of rabbit control after the diseases have occurred. Such controls include baiting, fumigation and ripping of warrens, and removal of rabbit refuge areas. (5) To date, RHD does not appear to have lessened the occurrence or impact of myxomatosis on rabbits. Outbreaks of both diseases continue to cycle through many rabbit populations, sometimes simultaneously.
Hon Peter Foss: Everybody knew that, but unfortunately somebody got to it. Hon KIM CHANCE: Yes; however it was always going to be a disease subject to rapid build-up of resistance. More recent research also indicates the pre-existence of a similar virus that appears to make some rabbits less susceptible to RHD. These factors mean that rabbit populations are likely to fluctuate depending on their history of exposure to the virus, seasonal conditions and the amount of control undertaken by landholders. (3) For the past 12 years the Department of Agriculture has been a partner in the Pest Animal Control Cooperative Research Centre, which has been developing a new biocontrol agent for rabbits based on the concept of immunosterility. This aims to alter the myxomatosis virus to cause sterility in the rabbit. (4) No. There is no evidence to date of RHD decreasing in virulence. The impact of RHD and myxomatosis can be improved by landholders implementing other forms of rabbit control after the diseases have occurred. Such controls include baiting, fumigation and ripping of warrens, and removal of rabbit refuge areas. (5) To date, RHD does not appear to have lessened the occurrence or impact of myxomatosis on rabbits. Outbreaks of both diseases continue to cycle through many rabbit populations, sometimes simultaneously.
Hon KIM CHANCE: Yes; however it was always going to be a disease subject to rapid build-up of resistance. More recent research also indicates the pre-existence of a similar virus that appears to make some rabbits less susceptible to RHD. These factors mean that rabbit populations are likely to fluctuate depending on their history of exposure to the virus, seasonal conditions and the amount of control undertaken by landholders. (3) For the past 12 years the Department of Agriculture has been a partner in the Pest Animal Control Cooperative Research Centre, which has been developing a new biocontrol agent for rabbits based on the concept of immunosterility. This aims to alter the myxomatosis virus to cause sterility in the rabbit. (4) No. There is no evidence to date of RHD decreasing in virulence. The impact of RHD and myxomatosis can be improved by landholders implementing other forms of rabbit control after the diseases have occurred. Such controls include baiting, fumigation and ripping of warrens, and removal of rabbit refuge areas. (5) To date, RHD does not appear to have lessened the occurrence or impact of myxomatosis on rabbits. Outbreaks of both diseases continue to cycle through many rabbit populations, sometimes simultaneously.
(3) For the past 12 years the Department of Agriculture has been a partner in the Pest Animal Control Cooperative Research Centre, which has been developing a new biocontrol agent for rabbits based on the concept of immunosterility. This aims to alter the myxomatosis virus to cause sterility in the rabbit. (4) No. There is no evidence to date of RHD decreasing in virulence. The impact of RHD and myxomatosis can be improved by landholders implementing other forms of rabbit control after the diseases have occurred. Such controls include baiting, fumigation and ripping of warrens, and removal of rabbit refuge areas. (5) To date, RHD does not appear to have lessened the occurrence or impact of myxomatosis on rabbits. Outbreaks of both diseases continue to cycle through many rabbit populations, sometimes simultaneously.
(4) No. There is no evidence to date of RHD decreasing in virulence. The impact of RHD and myxomatosis can be improved by landholders implementing other forms of rabbit control after the diseases have occurred. Such controls include baiting, fumigation and ripping of warrens, and removal of rabbit refuge areas. (5) To date, RHD does not appear to have lessened the occurrence or impact of myxomatosis on rabbits. Outbreaks of both diseases continue to cycle through many rabbit populations, sometimes simultaneously.
(5) To date, RHD does not appear to have lessened the occurrence or impact of myxomatosis on rabbits. Outbreaks of both diseases continue to cycle through many rabbit populations, sometimes simultaneously.
(1) Would the minister please advise the House whether his department is monitoring the rabbit population? (2) If so, what is his department’s prognosis regarding this possible recovery from the effect of the calicivirus amongst the rabbit population? (3) Is any work in hand to discover any new method of control? (4) Is the minister aware of any investigations being done within Australia to increase the potency of the calicivirus? (5) Is it anticipated that the new generation of post-calicivirus rabbits will still be vulnerable to myxomatosis? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank the member for some notice of this question. The disease to which the honourable member refers is now more commonly called rabbit haemorrhagic disease or RHD. That is because calicivirus virus is really descriptive of a family of a particular type of virus. (1) Yes. Rabbit populations are monitored by interactions between landholders and departmental staff through requests for advice on other rabbit control methods. (2) The department does not consider that the reported current increase would be due to recovery from the effects of RHD. It is common for rabbit populations to be at their peak at this time of the year, following the winter breeding. Numbers regularly decline over the subsequent summer period. Rabbit populations will continue to fluctuate as a result of breeding, the impact of biological control agents and controls by landholders. Research has indicated that not all members of rabbit populations succumb to RHD. Young rabbits are not susceptible and may become immune to the future effects of RHD and breed in subsequent years. The honourable member was not in Parliament at the time, but when in opposition I warned against the release of RHD or calicivirus on these very grounds. Hon Peter Foss: Everybody knew that, but unfortunately somebody got to it. Hon KIM CHANCE: Yes; however it was always going to be a disease subject to rapid build-up of resistance. More recent research also indicates the pre-existence of a similar virus that appears to make some rabbits less susceptible to RHD. These factors mean that rabbit populations are likely to fluctuate depending on their history of exposure to the virus, seasonal conditions and the amount of control undertaken by landholders. (3) For the past 12 years the Department of Agriculture has been a partner in the Pest Animal Control Cooperative Research Centre, which has been developing a new biocontrol agent for rabbits based on the concept of immunosterility. This aims to alter the myxomatosis virus to cause sterility in the rabbit. (4) No. There is no evidence to date of RHD decreasing in virulence. The impact of RHD and myxomatosis can be improved by landholders implementing other forms of rabbit control after the diseases have occurred. Such controls include baiting, fumigation and ripping of warrens, and removal of rabbit refuge areas. (5) To date, RHD does not appear to have lessened the occurrence or impact of myxomatosis on rabbits. Outbreaks of both diseases continue to cycle through many rabbit populations, sometimes simultaneously.
(2) If so, what is his department’s prognosis regarding this possible recovery from the effect of the calicivirus amongst the rabbit population? (3) Is any work in hand to discover any new method of control? (4) Is the minister aware of any investigations being done within Australia to increase the potency of the calicivirus? (5) Is it anticipated that the new generation of post-calicivirus rabbits will still be vulnerable to myxomatosis? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank the member for some notice of this question. The disease to which the honourable member refers is now more commonly called rabbit haemorrhagic disease or RHD. That is because calicivirus virus is really descriptive of a family of a particular type of virus. (1) Yes. Rabbit populations are monitored by interactions between landholders and departmental staff through requests for advice on other rabbit control methods. (2) The department does not consider that the reported current increase would be due to recovery from the effects of RHD. It is common for rabbit populations to be at their peak at this time of the year, following the winter breeding. Numbers regularly decline over the subsequent summer period. Rabbit populations will continue to fluctuate as a result of breeding, the impact of biological control agents and controls by landholders. Research has indicated that not all members of rabbit populations succumb to RHD. Young rabbits are not susceptible and may become immune to the future effects of RHD and breed in subsequent years. The honourable member was not in Parliament at the time, but when in opposition I warned against the release of RHD or calicivirus on these very grounds. Hon Peter Foss: Everybody knew that, but unfortunately somebody got to it. Hon KIM CHANCE: Yes; however it was always going to be a disease subject to rapid build-up of resistance. More recent research also indicates the pre-existence of a similar virus that appears to make some rabbits less susceptible to RHD. These factors mean that rabbit populations are likely to fluctuate depending on their history of exposure to the virus, seasonal conditions and the amount of control undertaken by landholders. (3) For the past 12 years the Department of Agriculture has been a partner in the Pest Animal Control Cooperative Research Centre, which has been developing a new biocontrol agent for rabbits based on the concept of immunosterility. This aims to alter the myxomatosis virus to cause sterility in the rabbit. (4) No. There is no evidence to date of RHD decreasing in virulence. The impact of RHD and myxomatosis can be improved by landholders implementing other forms of rabbit control after the diseases have occurred. Such controls include baiting, fumigation and ripping of warrens, and removal of rabbit refuge areas. (5) To date, RHD does not appear to have lessened the occurrence or impact of myxomatosis on rabbits. Outbreaks of both diseases continue to cycle through many rabbit populations, sometimes simultaneously.
(3) Is any work in hand to discover any new method of control? (4) Is the minister aware of any investigations being done within Australia to increase the potency of the calicivirus? (5) Is it anticipated that the new generation of post-calicivirus rabbits will still be vulnerable to myxomatosis? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank the member for some notice of this question. The disease to which the honourable member refers is now more commonly called rabbit haemorrhagic disease or RHD. That is because calicivirus virus is really descriptive of a family of a particular type of virus. (1) Yes. Rabbit populations are monitored by interactions between landholders and departmental staff through requests for advice on other rabbit control methods. (2) The department does not consider that the reported current increase would be due to recovery from the effects of RHD. It is common for rabbit populations to be at their peak at this time of the year, following the winter breeding. Numbers regularly decline over the subsequent summer period. Rabbit populations will continue to fluctuate as a result of breeding, the impact of biological control agents and controls by landholders. Research has indicated that not all members of rabbit populations succumb to RHD. Young rabbits are not susceptible and may become immune to the future effects of RHD and breed in subsequent years. The honourable member was not in Parliament at the time, but when in opposition I warned against the release of RHD or calicivirus on these very grounds. Hon Peter Foss: Everybody knew that, but unfortunately somebody got to it. Hon KIM CHANCE: Yes; however it was always going to be a disease subject to rapid build-up of resistance. More recent research also indicates the pre-existence of a similar virus that appears to make some rabbits less susceptible to RHD. These factors mean that rabbit populations are likely to fluctuate depending on their history of exposure to the virus, seasonal conditions and the amount of control undertaken by landholders. (3) For the past 12 years the Department of Agriculture has been a partner in the Pest Animal Control Cooperative Research Centre, which has been developing a new biocontrol agent for rabbits based on the concept of immunosterility. This aims to alter the myxomatosis virus to cause sterility in the rabbit. (4) No. There is no evidence to date of RHD decreasing in virulence. The impact of RHD and myxomatosis can be improved by landholders implementing other forms of rabbit control after the diseases have occurred. Such controls include baiting, fumigation and ripping of warrens, and removal of rabbit refuge areas. (5) To date, RHD does not appear to have lessened the occurrence or impact of myxomatosis on rabbits. Outbreaks of both diseases continue to cycle through many rabbit populations, sometimes simultaneously.
(4) Is the minister aware of any investigations being done within Australia to increase the potency of the calicivirus? (5) Is it anticipated that the new generation of post-calicivirus rabbits will still be vulnerable to myxomatosis? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank the member for some notice of this question. The disease to which the honourable member refers is now more commonly called rabbit haemorrhagic disease or RHD. That is because calicivirus virus is really descriptive of a family of a particular type of virus. (1) Yes. Rabbit populations are monitored by interactions between landholders and departmental staff through requests for advice on other rabbit control methods. (2) The department does not consider that the reported current increase would be due to recovery from the effects of RHD. It is common for rabbit populations to be at their peak at this time of the year, following the winter breeding. Numbers regularly decline over the subsequent summer period. Rabbit populations will continue to fluctuate as a result of breeding, the impact of biological control agents and controls by landholders. Research has indicated that not all members of rabbit populations succumb to RHD. Young rabbits are not susceptible and may become immune to the future effects of RHD and breed in subsequent years. The honourable member was not in Parliament at the time, but when in opposition I warned against the release of RHD or calicivirus on these very grounds. Hon Peter Foss: Everybody knew that, but unfortunately somebody got to it. Hon KIM CHANCE: Yes; however it was always going to be a disease subject to rapid build-up of resistance. More recent research also indicates the pre-existence of a similar virus that appears to make some rabbits less susceptible to RHD. These factors mean that rabbit populations are likely to fluctuate depending on their history of exposure to the virus, seasonal conditions and the amount of control undertaken by landholders. (3) For the past 12 years the Department of Agriculture has been a partner in the Pest Animal Control Cooperative Research Centre, which has been developing a new biocontrol agent for rabbits based on the concept of immunosterility. This aims to alter the myxomatosis virus to cause sterility in the rabbit. (4) No. There is no evidence to date of RHD decreasing in virulence. The impact of RHD and myxomatosis can be improved by landholders implementing other forms of rabbit control after the diseases have occurred. Such controls include baiting, fumigation and ripping of warrens, and removal of rabbit refuge areas. (5) To date, RHD does not appear to have lessened the occurrence or impact of myxomatosis on rabbits. Outbreaks of both diseases continue to cycle through many rabbit populations, sometimes simultaneously.
(5) Is it anticipated that the new generation of post-calicivirus rabbits will still be vulnerable to myxomatosis? Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank the member for some notice of this question. The disease to which the honourable member refers is now more commonly called rabbit haemorrhagic disease or RHD. That is because calicivirus virus is really descriptive of a family of a particular type of virus. (1) Yes. Rabbit populations are monitored by interactions between landholders and departmental staff through requests for advice on other rabbit control methods. (2) The department does not consider that the reported current increase would be due to recovery from the effects of RHD. It is common for rabbit populations to be at their peak at this time of the year, following the winter breeding. Numbers regularly decline over the subsequent summer period. Rabbit populations will continue to fluctuate as a result of breeding, the impact of biological control agents and controls by landholders. Research has indicated that not all members of rabbit populations succumb to RHD. Young rabbits are not susceptible and may become immune to the future effects of RHD and breed in subsequent years. The honourable member was not in Parliament at the time, but when in opposition I warned against the release of RHD or calicivirus on these very grounds. Hon Peter Foss: Everybody knew that, but unfortunately somebody got to it. Hon KIM CHANCE: Yes; however it was always going to be a disease subject to rapid build-up of resistance. More recent research also indicates the pre-existence of a similar virus that appears to make some rabbits less susceptible to RHD. These factors mean that rabbit populations are likely to fluctuate depending on their history of exposure to the virus, seasonal conditions and the amount of control undertaken by landholders. (3) For the past 12 years the Department of Agriculture has been a partner in the Pest Animal Control Cooperative Research Centre, which has been developing a new biocontrol agent for rabbits based on the concept of immunosterility. This aims to alter the myxomatosis virus to cause sterility in the rabbit. (4) No. There is no evidence to date of RHD decreasing in virulence. The impact of RHD and myxomatosis can be improved by landholders implementing other forms of rabbit control after the diseases have occurred. Such controls include baiting, fumigation and ripping of warrens, and removal of rabbit refuge areas. (5) To date, RHD does not appear to have lessened the occurrence or impact of myxomatosis on rabbits. Outbreaks of both diseases continue to cycle through many rabbit populations, sometimes simultaneously.
Hon KIM CHANCE replied : I thank the member for some notice of this question. The disease to which the honourable member refers is now more commonly called rabbit haemorrhagic disease or RHD. That is because calicivirus virus is really descriptive of a family of a particular type of virus. (1) Yes. Rabbit populations are monitored by interactions between landholders and departmental staff through requests for advice on other rabbit control methods. (2) The department does not consider that the reported current increase would be due to recovery from the effects of RHD. It is common for rabbit populations to be at their peak at this time of the year, following the winter breeding. Numbers regularly decline over the subsequent summer period. Rabbit populations will continue to fluctuate as a result of breeding, the impact of biological control agents and controls by landholders. Research has indicated that not all members of rabbit populations succumb to RHD. Young rabbits are not susceptible and may become immune to the future effects of RHD and breed in subsequent years. The honourable member was not in Parliament at the time, but when in opposition I warned against the release of RHD or calicivirus on these very grounds. Hon Peter Foss: Everybody knew that, but unfortunately somebody got to it. Hon KIM CHANCE: Yes; however it was always going to be a disease subject to rapid build-up of resistance. More recent research also indicates the pre-existence of a similar virus that appears to make some rabbits less susceptible to RHD. These factors mean that rabbit populations are likely to fluctuate depending on their history of exposure to the virus, seasonal conditions and the amount of control undertaken by landholders. (3) For the past 12 years the Department of Agriculture has been a partner in the Pest Animal Control Cooperative Research Centre, which has been developing a new biocontrol agent for rabbits based on the concept of immunosterility. This aims to alter the myxomatosis virus to cause sterility in the rabbit. (4) No. There is no evidence to date of RHD decreasing in virulence. The impact of RHD and myxomatosis can be improved by landholders implementing other forms of rabbit control after the diseases have occurred. Such controls include baiting, fumigation and ripping of warrens, and removal of rabbit refuge areas. (5) To date, RHD does not appear to have lessened the occurrence or impact of myxomatosis on rabbits. Outbreaks of both diseases continue to cycle through many rabbit populations, sometimes simultaneously.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. The disease to which the honourable member refers is now more commonly called rabbit haemorrhagic disease or RHD. That is because calicivirus virus is really descriptive of a family of a particular type of virus. (1) Yes. Rabbit populations are monitored by interactions between landholders and departmental staff through requests for advice on other rabbit control methods. (2) The department does not consider that the reported current increase would be due to recovery from the effects of RHD. It is common for rabbit populations to be at their peak at this time of the year, following the winter breeding. Numbers regularly decline over the subsequent summer period. Rabbit populations will continue to fluctuate as a result of breeding, the impact of biological control agents and controls by landholders. Research has indicated that not all members of rabbit populations succumb to RHD. Young rabbits are not susceptible and may become immune to the future effects of RHD and breed in subsequent years. The honourable member was not in Parliament at the time, but when in opposition I warned against the release of RHD or calicivirus on these very grounds. Hon Peter Foss: Everybody knew that, but unfortunately somebody got to it. Hon KIM CHANCE: Yes; however it was always going to be a disease subject to rapid build-up of resistance. More recent research also indicates the pre-existence of a similar virus that appears to make some rabbits less susceptible to RHD. These factors mean that rabbit populations are likely to fluctuate depending on their history of exposure to the virus, seasonal conditions and the amount of control undertaken by landholders. (3) For the past 12 years the Department of Agriculture has been a partner in the Pest Animal Control Cooperative Research Centre, which has been developing a new biocontrol agent for rabbits based on the concept of immunosterility. This aims to alter the myxomatosis virus to cause sterility in the rabbit. (4) No. There is no evidence to date of RHD decreasing in virulence. The impact of RHD and myxomatosis can be improved by landholders implementing other forms of rabbit control after the diseases have occurred. Such controls include baiting, fumigation and ripping of warrens, and removal of rabbit refuge areas. (5) To date, RHD does not appear to have lessened the occurrence or impact of myxomatosis on rabbits. Outbreaks of both diseases continue to cycle through many rabbit populations, sometimes simultaneously.
(1) Yes. Rabbit populations are monitored by interactions between landholders and departmental staff through requests for advice on other rabbit control methods. (2) The department does not consider that the reported current increase would be due to recovery from the effects of RHD. It is common for rabbit populations to be at their peak at this time of the year, following the winter breeding. Numbers regularly decline over the subsequent summer period. Rabbit populations will continue to fluctuate as a result of breeding, the impact of biological control agents and controls by landholders. Research has indicated that not all members of rabbit populations succumb to RHD. Young rabbits are not susceptible and may become immune to the future effects of RHD and breed in subsequent years. The honourable member was not in Parliament at the time, but when in opposition I warned against the release of RHD or calicivirus on these very grounds. Hon Peter Foss: Everybody knew that, but unfortunately somebody got to it. Hon KIM CHANCE: Yes; however it was always going to be a disease subject to rapid build-up of resistance. More recent research also indicates the pre-existence of a similar virus that appears to make some rabbits less susceptible to RHD. These factors mean that rabbit populations are likely to fluctuate depending on their history of exposure to the virus, seasonal conditions and the amount of control undertaken by landholders. (3) For the past 12 years the Department of Agriculture has been a partner in the Pest Animal Control Cooperative Research Centre, which has been developing a new biocontrol agent for rabbits based on the concept of immunosterility. This aims to alter the myxomatosis virus to cause sterility in the rabbit. (4) No. There is no evidence to date of RHD decreasing in virulence. The impact of RHD and myxomatosis can be improved by landholders implementing other forms of rabbit control after the diseases have occurred. Such controls include baiting, fumigation and ripping of warrens, and removal of rabbit refuge areas. (5) To date, RHD does not appear to have lessened the occurrence or impact of myxomatosis on rabbits. Outbreaks of both diseases continue to cycle through many rabbit populations, sometimes simultaneously.
(2) The department does not consider that the reported current increase would be due to recovery from the effects of RHD. It is common for rabbit populations to be at their peak at this time of the year, following the winter breeding. Numbers regularly decline over the subsequent summer period. Rabbit populations will continue to fluctuate as a result of breeding, the impact of biological control agents and controls by landholders. Research has indicated that not all members of rabbit populations succumb to RHD. Young rabbits are not susceptible and may become immune to the future effects of RHD and breed in subsequent years. The honourable member was not in Parliament at the time, but when in opposition I warned against the release of RHD or calicivirus on these very grounds. Hon Peter Foss: Everybody knew that, but unfortunately somebody got to it. Hon KIM CHANCE: Yes; however it was always going to be a disease subject to rapid build-up of resistance. More recent research also indicates the pre-existence of a similar virus that appears to make some rabbits less susceptible to RHD. These factors mean that rabbit populations are likely to fluctuate depending on their history of exposure to the virus, seasonal conditions and the amount of control undertaken by landholders. (3) For the past 12 years the Department of Agriculture has been a partner in the Pest Animal Control Cooperative Research Centre, which has been developing a new biocontrol agent for rabbits based on the concept of immunosterility. This aims to alter the myxomatosis virus to cause sterility in the rabbit. (4) No. There is no evidence to date of RHD decreasing in virulence. The impact of RHD and myxomatosis can be improved by landholders implementing other forms of rabbit control after the diseases have occurred. Such controls include baiting, fumigation and ripping of warrens, and removal of rabbit refuge areas. (5) To date, RHD does not appear to have lessened the occurrence or impact of myxomatosis on rabbits. Outbreaks of both diseases continue to cycle through many rabbit populations, sometimes simultaneously.
Hon Peter Foss: Everybody knew that, but unfortunately somebody got to it. Hon KIM CHANCE: Yes; however it was always going to be a disease subject to rapid build-up of resistance. More recent research also indicates the pre-existence of a similar virus that appears to make some rabbits less susceptible to RHD. These factors mean that rabbit populations are likely to fluctuate depending on their history of exposure to the virus, seasonal conditions and the amount of control undertaken by landholders. (3) For the past 12 years the Department of Agriculture has been a partner in the Pest Animal Control Cooperative Research Centre, which has been developing a new biocontrol agent for rabbits based on the concept of immunosterility. This aims to alter the myxomatosis virus to cause sterility in the rabbit. (4) No. There is no evidence to date of RHD decreasing in virulence. The impact of RHD and myxomatosis can be improved by landholders implementing other forms of rabbit control after the diseases have occurred. Such controls include baiting, fumigation and ripping of warrens, and removal of rabbit refuge areas. (5) To date, RHD does not appear to have lessened the occurrence or impact of myxomatosis on rabbits. Outbreaks of both diseases continue to cycle through many rabbit populations, sometimes simultaneously.
Hon KIM CHANCE: Yes; however it was always going to be a disease subject to rapid build-up of resistance. More recent research also indicates the pre-existence of a similar virus that appears to make some rabbits less susceptible to RHD. These factors mean that rabbit populations are likely to fluctuate depending on their history of exposure to the virus, seasonal conditions and the amount of control undertaken by landholders. (3) For the past 12 years the Department of Agriculture has been a partner in the Pest Animal Control Cooperative Research Centre, which has been developing a new biocontrol agent for rabbits based on the concept of immunosterility. This aims to alter the myxomatosis virus to cause sterility in the rabbit. (4) No. There is no evidence to date of RHD decreasing in virulence. The impact of RHD and myxomatosis can be improved by landholders implementing other forms of rabbit control after the diseases have occurred. Such controls include baiting, fumigation and ripping of warrens, and removal of rabbit refuge areas. (5) To date, RHD does not appear to have lessened the occurrence or impact of myxomatosis on rabbits. Outbreaks of both diseases continue to cycle through many rabbit populations, sometimes simultaneously.
(3) For the past 12 years the Department of Agriculture has been a partner in the Pest Animal Control Cooperative Research Centre, which has been developing a new biocontrol agent for rabbits based on the concept of immunosterility. This aims to alter the myxomatosis virus to cause sterility in the rabbit. (4) No. There is no evidence to date of RHD decreasing in virulence. The impact of RHD and myxomatosis can be improved by landholders implementing other forms of rabbit control after the diseases have occurred. Such controls include baiting, fumigation and ripping of warrens, and removal of rabbit refuge areas. (5) To date, RHD does not appear to have lessened the occurrence or impact of myxomatosis on rabbits. Outbreaks of both diseases continue to cycle through many rabbit populations, sometimes simultaneously.
(4) No. There is no evidence to date of RHD decreasing in virulence. The impact of RHD and myxomatosis can be improved by landholders implementing other forms of rabbit control after the diseases have occurred. Such controls include baiting, fumigation and ripping of warrens, and removal of rabbit refuge areas. (5) To date, RHD does not appear to have lessened the occurrence or impact of myxomatosis on rabbits. Outbreaks of both diseases continue to cycle through many rabbit populations, sometimes simultaneously.
(5) To date, RHD does not appear to have lessened the occurrence or impact of myxomatosis on rabbits. Outbreaks of both diseases continue to cycle through many rabbit populations, sometimes simultaneously.
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