No research planned on myxomatosis
By OLIVER RIDDELL in Wellington No research is being done or is planned on myxomatosis in New Zealand, according to the Minister of Agriculture, Mr Moyle. He was replying to a series of questions on myxomatosis asked in Parliament by Mrs Mary Batchelor (Lab., Avon.) The Ministry had a team of two scientists, plus support staff, in Christchurch doing research on methods of controlling rabbits, working with Agricultural Pest Destruction Council. Recent and current
research included testing of anti-coagulant poisons as alternatives to the 1080 group of poisons (sodium fluoroacetate) now in use, Mr Moyle said.
There was also research aimed at identifying the biological factors such as predation, mortality in young rabbits, and rabbit behaviour, which might influence rabbit numbers.
Work was being done to relate environmental factors such as topography, land use and development, and climate, with rabbit numbers, and also work into developing improved baits
containing poisons to increase bait acceptance, and into developing methods using poisons to improve the cost-effectiveness of control work.
Measuring the effectiveness of night shooting as a control technique and developing pest management recording systems were also aspects of the research being done.
Future research would emphasise the use of anticoagulant poisons, and understanding the many factors influencing rabbit populations, Mr Moyle said.
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Press, 13 March 1985, Page 22
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216No research planned on myxomatosis Press, 13 March 1985, Page 22
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