APPENDIX 2 : Relevant Sections of the Questionnaire on Public Attitudes to the Control of Possums and Rabbits
Q7. Have you heard of the term "biological control of
pests" Yes= 1,No =2 ,DK =9
Q7a. if yes to Q7 Which one of the following best describes
the extent to which you have heard of biological control? [code 1, 2 or 9 = dk -
leave box blank if 'no" to Q7 ]
(1) =I have heard of this but know little or nothing about it
(2) = I have heard about this and I could explain it to a friend
Q10. Could you tell us whether you agree or disagree with each of
the following statements
| 1= Agree; 2 = Neither agree nor disagree; 3 = Disagree dk = 9 | |
| Rabbits are: | |
| basically harmless | |
| cute & furry animals | |
| native to New Zealand | |
| a source of meat and fur | |
| eaten by ferrets and wild cats | |
| a problem throughout New Zealand | |
| a problem in only some areas of New Zealand | |
| a concern to me | |
| Rabbits cause environmental damage | |
| Rabbits cause a loss in farm production | |
Q11. Is there a problem with rabbits in the area where you live? yes =
1;no = 2; dk= 9 )
Q12. Using a scale where 1 means "very unacceptable", and 5
means "very acceptable", how acceptable to you are the following methods
for killing rabbits?
| code 1 - 5; dk = 9 | ||
| Trapping | ||
| Shooting | ||
| Aerial use of 1080 poison bait | ||
| Use of other poisons (such as pindone) | ||
| An imported naturally occurring virus which is specific to rabbits | ||
| An organism which has been genetically engineered or modified to kill only rabbits | ||
Q13. A naturally occurring virus that kills rabbits has been identified and is presently being tested in Australia. (It is called RCD for short). Overseas experience is that this virus is specific to rabbits, and is humane as a form of rabbit control. Do you think this virus should be introduced to New Zealand ?
yes=1, no=2, depends =3, dk=9
if "yes" or "no": ask - "why"
If "depends": ask - "Depends on what"
[Probe if necessary:] "can you be more specific?"
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Q14. Organisms are being modified or developed for use in a wide range of human activities. Using a scale where 1 means "very unacceptable", and 5 means "very acceptable", how acceptable to you is the use of such organisms for the following:
code 1 - 5; du= 8, dk=9
| treatment of human diseases | |
| development of vaccines to prevent animal diseases | |
| increasing quantity or quality of agricultural products such as meat, milk and vegetables | |
| production of medical drugs for humans | |
| control of pest plants or weeds | |
| control of insect pests | |
| control of animal pests |
Respondent Characteristics:
Q15. Which of the following age groups do you belong to:
1 = under 20
2 = 20 -29;
3 = 30-39;
4 = 40-49;
5 = 50-59,
6 = 60 or over [code 1 - 6]
Q16. What is your usual occupation: .______________________________________
Q17. At present, are you an urban or rural resident? [1 = urban; 2=
rural]
Q18. Gender: male/female [1 = male; 2 = female]
Q19. Have you ever?
1 = Owned or worked on a farm _____
2 = Lived in a rural area _____
[3 = Both 0 = neither] [code 0 - 3]
Q20. Are you/have you ever been (yes / no)
code 1= yes; 2 = no, dk=9
| a member of RSPCA | |
| any other animal welfare organisation | |
| if yes which one: r | |
| a member of a conservation or environmental organisation | |
| if yes , which one: r | |
Contact for Enquiries
Manager, Strategic Science Team
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand
PO Box 2526
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND
Phone: +64 4 894 0115
Fax: +64 4 894 0731
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