Myxomatosis

Press, 30 March 1983, Page 12

Myxomatosis

Sir,—How dare G. R. Martin (March 29) accuse the correspondentsfcon myxomatosis of ill-in-fornred ignorance. Rabbits suffer-

ing, yes suffering, from myxomatosis are in obvious misery. I wonder has Mr Martin seen an infected rabbit? Like other writers I have seen thousands — blind, deaf, paralysed, and in such a disgusting state that even natural predators look on them in anguish. Farmers who are dependent on nature should cry to preserve.— Yours, etc., DON MACKENZIE. March 29, 1983.

Sir,—A myxomatosis rabbit, before a welcome death, cannot see, smell, hear or eat. It may live as long as 18 days. This is another pathetic effort by scientists, no doubt given a pat on the back and world-acclaim. Millions of dollars are spent annually on research using animals as their “tools”; all they can come up with is a horrendous, slow, inhumane method of rabbit destruction. If scientists expect to carry on with world-wide praise (praise they do not get from myself or millions of people like myself) they better get their act together. What about contraception? Cannot bait be laid which is treated with an effective contraceptive instead of introducing a noxious flea which would affect other animals apart from the rabbit. With Easter upon us, the advertising of beautiful rabbits and delighted children is a lovely sight indeed. What a bunch of hypocrites we are.—Yours, etc., LYNNE RICKETTS. March 27, 1983.