Myxomatosis

Press, 19 August 1982, Page 20

Myxomatosis

, Sir,—Myxomatosis is the most inhumane’way of killing rabbits and through your paper I would like to ask the S.P.C.A. what steps it is taking (if any) to ban this virus from being introduced to New Zealand. Commercial farming of rabbits, even in a controlled environment, must surely be at risk from myxomatosis. For any animal that cannot see, smell, hear or eat, has gross swellings and discharges, a sticky virus-rich fluid from the head and genital regions, and staggers about aimlessly for 11 to 18 days, must surely suffer a lot of pain and die a horrible and inhumane death. — Yours, etc.,

GRANT FALCONER. July 31, 1982.

[Mr M. G. Coulbeck, president of the Canterbury S.P.C.A. replies: “Myxomatosis is well known to the R.N.Z.S.P.C.A. and. it is the policy of the R.N.Z.S.P.C.A. to object vehemently against the use of myxomatosis. All efforts to ban this virus from being introduced to New Zealand are being channelled through the Royal ■ Federation of N.Z.S.P.C.A. which are working very hard towards setting up a policy with the New Zealand Government to prevent the virus’s introduction.”]