Rabbit flea should be used, say boards
The rabbit flea should be introduced to New Zealand so that myxomatosis can be . spread quickly if it is needed in the future, according to South Island pest destruction boards. A remit passed unanimously at yesterday’s conference of the boards in Christchurch called for the immediate introduction of the
flea, which is the vector by which the myxoma virus is transmitted among rabbits. . Delegates said the fleas would take some time to spread through the rabbit population, but once they were present, myxomatosis could be spread quickly. The flea should be established now in case the introduction of
myxomatosis was permitted in the future. The introduction of the flea did not mean introducing the disease, one delegate said. “It’s just a method for control, and may not be used, but it’s essential that we set it up.” In spite of continued calls by
farming groups, the Government has refused to'allow the virus to be introduced. This year a spokesman for the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Mr Moyle, said the myxomatosis degate was closed, and the virus would be used only if all other methods of control failed. ______
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Press, 19 July 1989, Page 2
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195Rabbit flea should be used, say boards Press, 19 July 1989, Page 2
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