0-20% is it worth the hassle?

[Elmer]

Have just watched the latest Landline interview with the Leading Scientist? of the K5 release , now they are saying that it will have a knock down rate of only 0- 20% compared to the 0-40% which was stated in previous
documents. He is also (by the sound of it) not sure if the virus can be contacted through other methods (ie mossies flies etc) other than direct consumption of virus laced baits. :homer: hence the need for recounting of rabbits a week and a month after baiting.
For such a pathetic knock down, is it really worth releasing a new virus into our environment?, especially after leading European experts in the field of virology have advised against it.
Gotta love our Guv.

[No1Mk3]

G'day Elmer,
I feel every bit helps. As for releasing a "new" virus into the environment, you should know it is very specific and as for the European "experts" I would back our own against them anyday. This from one who now works for Veterinary Pathology, and has discussed the issue with our top Pathologist who is recognized as one of the best in the world in his field. The K5 strain, by the way, is not that new, and has already been used in Korea but I haven't bothered to check their results as I don't feel the environmental background compares well to ours. Perhaps Calici is reaching the end of it's effectiveness, but Myxo has had it and we need to try something.

[happyhunter]

It certainly isn't worth the risk. No "expert" can guarantee that an extremely virulent hemorrhagic disease that kills mammals won't jump species and using it as a pesticide is reckless at best. Viruses can an do mutate.

[Elmer]

G'day Elmer,
I feel every bit helps. As for releasing a "new" virus into the environment, you should know it is very specific and as for the European "experts" I would back our own against them anyday. This from one who now works for Veterinary Pathology, and has discussed the issue with our top Pathologist who is recognized as one of the best in the world in his field. The K5 strain, by the way, is not that new, and has already been used in Korea but I haven't bothered to check their results as I don't feel the environmental background compares well to ours. Perhaps Calici is reaching the end of it's effectiveness, but Myxo has had it and we need to try something.

Hi mate,
I hope hes right, as you know there are only so many environments a Lab can replicate and being a living organism it can and possibly will mutate to better suit potential new (or different ) hosts and environments. As stated it is a Korean virus,who knows maybe that doesn't matter, but it has evolved in a different environment which may or may not boost or negate its effectiveness in Oz.
No one can be absolutely sure this wont happen , there simply has not been enough time to explore all possible outcomes being positive or negative, they have even changed their minds with the knock down rate this virus is supposed to have.
Myself I will stick to 55gn Ballistic silvertips

[Elmer]

It certainly isn't worth the risk. No "expert" can guarantee that an extremely virulent hemorrhagic disease that kills mammals won't jump species and using it as a pesticide is reckless at best. Viruses can an do mutate.

Agreed mate

[Baronvonrort]

I think these viruses are cruel and inhuman, much better to have our Elmer Fudds hunting wabbits.

[Bent Arrow]

Here's a picture of a poor rabbit that caught a nasty dose of the new 25-06 virus a few days ago

[bigpete]

Maybe we should bring back the rabbit fur industry ?

[Oldbloke]

Here's a picture of a poor rabbit that caught a nasty dose of the new 25-06 virus a few days ago

Hope I am only ever a carrier of virus.

[Elmer]

Maybe we should bring back the rabbit fur industry ?

That wont happen, the greens made sure of that

[gazza]

Not worth it. Scientists are often wrong and even reckless. Lab tests can't predict 50 or 100 years into the future. Where the hell are all these rabbits anyway?

[Elmer]

Not worth it. Scientists are often wrong and even reckless. Lab tests can't predict 50 or 100 years into the future. Where the hell are all these rabbits anyway?

Not in my area thats for sure.

[happyhunter]

Despite the mixo and pindone drops there are high numbers of bunnies around here. We have had good rain and the grass stayed green throughout summer. Plenty of young ones running around too.