RCD/RHD Information
This page is designed as an entry point to MAFnet information on rabbit calicivirus disease (RCD).
The name Rabbit Calicivirus (RCD) has been used in New Zealand and Australia for several years. MAF had endorsed this name, because infected rabbits incur blood clotting and not bleeding. However, a couple of years ago a benign calicivirus of rabbits was identified in Europe and it was given the name Rabbit Calicivirus. Consequently, the virulent Rabbit Calicivirus has now been confirmed internationally to be named Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD). Most of the documents in this section date from the time when RCD was the accepted term.
Contents
- Schools RCD project sheet
- These resources have been redeveloped by AgITO and can be located on the new site - www.ruralsource.ac.nz
- RCD - Research In Otago courtesy of Otago Regional Council.
- RCD Modelling Report by Dr Nigel Barlow of AgResearch
Some of the information was produced by the Rabbit Biocontrol Advisory Group in mid 1996. Those documents are identified by this symbol - 
.
Other information is available from the CSIRO's Rabbit News. That link is identified by this CSIRO symbol. 
A link is also provided to information produced in 1996 by the Australia and New Zealand Rabbit Calicivirus Disease Program. That information is identified by this symbol. 
The views expressed in these documents are not necessarily those of MAF, and are subject to the MAFnet disclaimer.
MAF information has largely been published through media statements. MAFnet has a complete archive of RCD Media Statements.
26 February 1998
Pesticides Board Grants Experimental Use Permit for RCD
The Pesticides Board has decided to grant an a permit for experimental use (EUP) for rabbit calicivirus disease (RCD) to the Dunedin company which applied to register the virus as a pesticide.
In a majority vote, the Board decided to decline full registration of the virus, on the basis that there was a lack of information available on bait weathering and efficacy of the product.
However, the EUP will allow 500 litres of product containing the virus - estimated to be babout three years supply - to be sold while further data is gathered about:
- inactivation of virus on bait
- performance of the virus, both as a biocide (i.e. one rabbit, one bait) or as a biocontrol agent (i.e. used to start natural spread)
- predator prey switching
- optimum distribution of baits
The board has stated that the above information must be based on good scientific trial protocols, and has recommended that consultation with appropriate research agencies such as Landcare, the Ministry of Agriculture and Regional Councils is necessary to ensure the data gathered is scientifically robust. The board suggests a Ministerial advisory group comprising people with expertise in virology, ecology and epidemiology be set up to assist with this research.
In practical terms, the granting of an EUP has much the same effect as full registration, but provides for greater control and for important information about the virus to be gathered.
There are no restrictions on who may purchase or use the approved virus. The board's decision means that in terms of the provisions of the Pesticides Act, organisations and government agencies such as Regional Councils and the Department of Conservation can now purchase and spread the approved strain of the virus.
However, it is important to note that - as with all Pesticides Board decisions - this does not over-ride other legislation such as the Biosecurity Act.
The Pesticides Board has called for mandatory label directions on the best known means of using the virus, including safety advice and a warning that the virus is not effective against young rabbits and can lead to their immunisation against RCD.
Affected Areas
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Awatere Valley - confirmed 19/09 Culverden - Confirmed 30/08 Pleasant Point - confirmed 16/09 Twizel - RCD Confirmed 28/08 Waitaki Valley - confirmed 16/09 Waimate - confirmed 16/09 Maniototo - RCD Confirmed 28/08 Ida Valley - confirmed 16/09 Lowburn - confirmed 16/09 Cromwell - RCD confirmed 26/08 Tarras - confirmed 16/09 Bendigo - confirmed 16/09 Roxburgh - confirmed 17/09/97 Dunedin - confirmed 17/09/97 |
| Puketitiri - reported 7/11 Parangahau - South HB- reported 8/11 Taumaranui - reported 13/11 Banks Peninsula - reported 19/11 Wairarapa - reported 18/11 Southland - reported 27/11 Motueka - reported 4/12 Nelson - reported 16/12 Rangitikei- Manawatu- Turakina- reported 22/12 Horowhenua - reported 12/01 |
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Background Information
Report of Chief Veterinary Officer to Decision Maker
RCD Frequently Asked Questions
