Rabbit Biocontrol Advisory Group
Introduction
The aim of this information kit is to bring together an overview of rabbit impacts, trends in pest management and information on rabbit calicivirus disease (RCD).
In providing this kit, the Rabbit Biocontrol Advisory Group (RBAG) is seeking to ensure there is a fully- informed debate on the risks rabbits pose to sustainable management of New Zealand lands, as well as the risks and benefits a new control agent such as RCD may pose.
RBAG IS NOT an advocate for the introduction of RCD. It was formed to ensure that a wide cross section of interest groups was able to ask the hard questions and to ensure all necessary research was undertaken and communicated widely.
The challenge for New Zealand in the 1990s is to deliver on the intent of the Resource Management and Biosecurity Acts and the visions for pest management in the Environment 2010 Strategy. The issues are about sustainable management of our natural and modified landscapes, and our ability to control pests such as rabbits and possums
What are the impacts of the pests? What are the ways of managing them? Who meets the costs of controlling them? These are just some of the issues that have to be considered when investing in research on new control methods and, ultimately, their use. In the end the adoption of any new method of pest control involves assessing the benefits and risks of the new technology against the risks and benefits of the pest. Issues such as who benefits and who contributes to the decision making are also important.
It is hoped that this kit makes a small contribution to the goal of ensuring an informed debate on New Zealand's rabbit control needs and the possible role of RCD.
For further information contact:
Dr. Morgan Williams,
Executive Officer,
Rabbit Biocontrol Advisory Group,
C/o Agriculture New Zealand,
Box 8640, Riccarton,
Christchurch
Ph 03 348 0253
Fax 03 348 1867
RBAG was formed in mid-1995, after wide consultation. It advises the Chief Executives of the Ministries of Agriculture, Conservation, Environment and Research, Science and Technology on research, communication and other matters relating to RCD as a possible rabbit biocontrol..
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