Myxomatosis

Press, 5 August 1985, Page 12

Myxomatosis

Sir,—A. B. Samson (August 3) noted my “emotive” arguments with “amusement.” Here are some facts which may cause him further diversion. The French have so far spent 56 million francs in a vain attempt to eradicate myxomatosis from their country, without success. Myxomatosis has wrought such ecological damage wherever it has been introduced, it has been

banned in Britain, France and America. It has been noted, but not yet proven, that wherever myxomatosis breaks out in the above countries, foot and mouth disease, fowl pest and herpes follow. Australia is now considering the possibility of importing a breed of rabbit that is resistant to myxomatosis, because of the ecological imbalance caused by introducing the virus in the first place. What other virus besides myxomatosis might be carried by the flea that could be devastatingly harmful to stock?—Yours, etc., (Mrs) ANTOINETTE C. TARLTON. Christchurch Co-ordinator, for S.A.F.E. August 4, 1985.

Sir,—L. S. Ellen, of Dunollie (August 2), receives my admiration for the statement about the Pest Destruction Council hierarchy being paid at the top for doing nothing.” L. S. Ellen’s final sentence “Come on Kiwis, don’t let them use this cruel method,” proves that there are people in farming communities who are revolted by myxomatosis. A. B. Samson referred to the “distinguished panel of speakers from both sides of the fence.” The speakers at the meeting of the Young Nationals, July 10, comprised Dr Sobey, Dr Morgan Williams, Mr Ged Foley (P.D.B. officer) and me, as an invited participant. After all the “cold logic” had been expressed by the first three speakers, I was grateful for the opportunity to speak “emotively,” with logic combined, on behalf of thousands of rabbits who would suffer slow, painful extermination. A. B. Samson may be informed that Mr Ged Foley voluntarily came to shake hands with me after the meeting and commended me for my stand.—Yours, etc.,

NATALIE TAYLOR. August 3, 1985.