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Revision as of 16:13, 17 June 2007 by Joelmills (talk | contribs) (add reference, remove tag)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Rabbit calicivirus (RCV) is a virus that causes Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD). It infects only rabbits. The disease first appeared in China during the early 1980s. In 1984 the virus that caused the disease was discovered. The virus spread westward and reached Europe in 1988.
The virus was imported into Australia in 1991 as a potential biological control agent. Testing of the virus was undertaken on an island off South Australia. In 1995 the virus escaped from the island. The virus was subsequently released introduced into rabbit populations throughout Australia in an attempt to control rabbit infestations.
For more information about the virus's development see Rabbits in Australia.
Release in New Zealand
In July 1997 , after considering over 800 public submissions, the New Zealand Ministry of Health decided not to allow 'RCD' to be imported into New Zealand to control rabbit populations. This was backed up in an early August review of the decision by the Director-General of Agriculture. By late August, it was confirmed that RCD/RHD had been deliberately introduced to the Cromwell area of the South Island.
An unsuccessful attempt was made by New Zealand officials to control the spread of the disease. It was, however, being intentionally spread, and several farmers (notably in the Mackenzie Basin area) admitted to processing rabbits that had died from the disease in kitchen blenders for further spreading.
Effects of the disease
The disease targets the Hepatocytes of infected animals, leading to Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). The incubation period is 24 to 48 hours and death occurs 6 to 24 hours from the start of fever.
References
- "Rabbit Calicivirus Disease". The Merck Veterinary Manual. 2006. Retrieved 2007-06-17.
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