PETITION FOR SUPPLY OF AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT FUNDED CALICI VIRUS VACCINE

To the Hon. Tony Burke (MP.)
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry

PO Box 6022
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600

We wish to voice our concerns relating to Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease, also known as Rabbit Calicivirus and the on going financial and physical losses being sustained by pet, commercial and rabbit hobbyists alike, since the "accidental release" by the Australian Government.

We understand the use of biological control methods in Australia for eradication of wild rabbits is deemed necessary by Government Departments, but should be reconsidering re-releasing the virus in such States as Tasmania where it is not warranted. That it affects our livelihoods, hobby or general pleasure of pet ownership should not be acceptable.

We understand the release by the Australian Government in 1996 was "accidental", without full testing, on its affects, and possible outcomes in relation to other wildlife, spread of the disease or financial impact on many in a hobby and industry which has potential to thrive in Australia.

RHD wipes out Commercial and Domestic rabbitries Australia wide, not just one or two rabbits, but often hundreds. With Australia's ban on importation, how do often rare varieties survive, or maybe livestock be replaced? Rabbit Owners are forced to pay dearly for vaccines that "may" cover one known strain of the virus.

It is time the Government was made responsible for their actions and that they learn to differentiate between the feral rabbit and our commercial and Exotic/Fancy rabbits.

We request the Australian Government take responsibility for their actions, and supply RHD vaccine free of charge to Rabbit Owners in the rabbit fancy.

Should we also petition the Australian Government for re-stocking, when we are thousands of dollars out of pocket? who is in fact liable for the Rabbitries who sustain losses? We query as to why we must pay so dearly both financially and personally for losses of our valued animals lives, due to an error in an Australian Government Laboratory.

Calici Virus has been often called the "silent killer". We assure you it is not. A rabbit dies in extreme agony, writhing in pain and often releasing a final scream of pain.

If the general public performed such cruelty to animals they would be reported and prosecuted. What makes it okay for the Government to release a disease to indiscriminately kill our pets?