EXTERMINATION OF HARES

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 2306, 26 November 1925, Page 9

EXTERMINATION OF HARES

CARREERS OF CATTLE TICK. The question of the extermination ot hares, recognisedcarriers of cattle tick, in addition to rabbits, was a question discussed by the East Coast Rabbit Board. The question was brought up in a letter received from the Opotiki branch of the Farmers’ Union, which requested that the board should consider the extermination of hares in that district, as the cattle tick menace coud not be combated while the hares were alove to carry tho tick from one portion of the district to another. The board, however, decided that no action could be taken as they had no authority to destroy any other animals than rabbits. Asked bis opinion on the matter Mr D. Ross, inspector of stock, said that hares certainly were carriers of the tick, but on the other hand almost all animals and many birds had the capacity for the carrying of the tick from place to place. The trouble waa not serious in the Opotiki district. Mr Tralford remarked that as there wore now only a row rabbits in the district it might be advisable to obtain authority to exterminate hares also. The chairman, Mr E. M. Hutchinson, pointed out that this would b(> too great an undertaking. They should advise the Opotiki Farmers' Union that the boarq could take no action in the matters It was decided that this course be adopted.