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 OFFLINE | Initial arguments for the release of a Myxomatosis vaccine
A discussion paper for the next Rabbit Runaway Orphanage Committee meeting, and for other interested parties.
Introduction
During the summer of 2010-2011 there was a rise in the number of mosquitoes across Victoria and this caused an outbreak of Myxomatosis killing pet rabbits in high numbers across the state. Whilst the wild rabbit population is now largely immune to myxomatosis, with an estimated 30 to 50% mortality rate, domestic pets have no immunity with a death rate of over 98%. We have received distressing calls from owners of pet rabbits and vets across the state have been receiving similar calls with the main specialised vet at the Melbourne Rabbit Clinic receiving 15 to 20 calls daily. This situation is not confined to Victoria. Rabbit owners live in daily fear and stress of this deadly disease afflicting their pets, who are valued members of their family, and the best care by the owners are futile against the disease.
Anecdotal evidence shows that individuals feel so distressed from losing their pet that they cannot bear to own another rabbit until a vaccine is made available in Australia Losses in shelters have also occurred with every rabbit being euthanized at one shelter in Victoria and 80 % of rabbits in a shelter in northern NSW.
Animal Welfare
Myxomatosis causes a cruel, inhumane death with the rabbit blinded and in pain so it is unable to eat and slowly starves. As there is no treatment for myxomatosis, the recommended advice from vets is to euthanize the pet rabbit to prevent unbearable suffering. This often leaves pet owners devastated.
“The initial signs of myxomatosis in rabbits are swollen eyelids, ears and genitals. Death normally follows 10-14 days after contacting the disease. Myxomatosis is highly contagious and the disease often infects all rabbits in the household. Treatment of pet rabbits is often futile and poses moral questions regarding protracted suffering. Treatment requires full isolation, intravenous fluids, pain relief, assisted feeding (syringe feeding and nasal gastric tube feeding in later stages), intravenous antibacterial cover and 24 hour care. Treatment is often required for 14-18 days and carries an extremely poor prognosis. Owners should be counselled that treatment should be early and aggressive at the first signs of disease. Minimal treatment is nearly always futile. Clinical signs occur 2-10 days after infection with a red swollen lesion at the site of inoculation; this lesion caused by tissue necrosis and degeneration is not often obvious in a pet rabbit. 6 to 14 days after infection there is a swelling of the eyelids and anogenital region. This can be associated with a mucoid or purulent occulonasal discharge. This can completely occlude the nares and eyes. The ears also become swollen and oedematous and start to droop. Secondary skin lesions can occur and secondary bacterial infection of the respiratory tract can precede death. Death occurs 10-14 days after infection”,
Dr N Walters Melbourne Rabbit Clinic (2011)
Australian authorities prefer to use a type of myxomatosis, which causes a slow death, to facilitate the spread of the disease. However, the Californian strain causes a quicker death in 3 days, but this type is not used as Australian authorities want the virus to spread over a longer period. Even those involved with the use of the myxomatosis virus question its use on humane grounds.
“Though undoubtedly the most successful rabbit control technique so far released, myxomatosis, like all other available or perhaps even proposed techniques, would fail the 21st century test for perfection for efficacy, reliability, safety and humaneness as a solution for rabbits”.
Dr Linton D Staples, Animal Control Technologies (2001)
Animal welfare considerations are becoming increasingly important in vertebrate pest control (Olsen1988: White and Newton –Cross 2000; HVPCWG 2004). For example, A proposal to introduce the myxomatosis virus into Australia today might be rejected in part on animal welfare grounds, as happened recently in New Zealand (PCE 1988; Norbury 2001)
(Henzel, Cooke, & Mutze, 2008)
Arguments against the Myxomatosis Vaccination
The Department of Agriculture, main argument against vaccination is that the live vaccine is transmittable to feral populations.
Senator the Hon. Joe Ludwig (2011), Minister for Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry has replied to our correspondence stating that “Infected rabbits shed the myxomatosis virus through their skin and the virus is spread from one rabbit to another via mosquitoes and fleas. Even when a rabbit has been vaccinated with one of these modified live vaccines, there can be enough vaccine virus in its skin for the virus to be spread by these insects.”
The government relies heavily on CSIRO research which does not prove that vaccination can spread from one rabbit to another and they rely on an unproven concern that mosquitoes and fleas can spread the vaccine from one animal to another.
“Concern exists that they could potentially spread from vaccinated rabbits into the wild rabbit population and interfere with biological control
Wild (2011) CSIRO Fact Sheet Myxomatosis and Rabbits in Australia today
We ask the following questions
• Is the Minister’s ruling based on a concern or on fact?
• Is there any proof of this claim?
• As a Queenslander, are his attitudes influenced by the Queensland State Governments ban on ownership of pet rabbits?
• Are his attitudes towards pet rabbits influenced by the perception of feral populations?
• Are his attitudes and laws to rabbits based on ignorance of the rabbit as a companion house pet?
Australian governing bodies concern themselves much more with pest control and the productivity of the farming industry than they do with pets or humane welfare. Several means are employed for the purpose of wild rabbit population reduction, none of them particularly humane to rabbits or other affected non-targets. Among those are: “lethal baiting, warren destruction and fumigation, shooting, trapping, exclusion fencing and biological control with [the release of viruses] RHDV and myxomatosis.” (Sharp & Saunders, 2005, p. 6)
In Chenery, C-A (2001) Lagomorphs in the U.S., Australia and Japan: A Comparison of Attitudes toward and Treatment of Rabbits
Arguments for the release of a vaccine for pet rabbits.
There are two aspects
• Humanitarian arguments
The arguments on humane grounds are covered by the description of this disease above.
• Disproving government arguments that site transmission of a vaccination can occur.
In the UK where a vaccine for myxomatosis has been available for years there seems to be no evidence of the transmission of vaccine’ and the immunity rate amongst the wild population is lower than here. France also has a vaccine available with the natural immunity running at about the same rate as Australia. If the Australian government’s claims were true we would expect the immunity of wild rabbits to be higher in the UK and France.
Australians would be surprised to realise that of the 78 species of rabbits in the world 1/3 of the species are threatened. Some countries undertake programs to prevent the extinction of rabbits in the wild, for example endangered rabbits include The Pygmy rabbit in America, the Armani rabbit of Japan and the European rabbit (which is the same species as our feral and pet rabbits here) in Spain.
The Spanish government is concerned about myxomatosis exterminating the wild rabbit and conducted an experiment directly vaccinating a group of the wild population to prevent extermination of the species. The number of rabbits in the wild has fallen by 95% over the last 50 years in the Iberian Peninsula, both myxomatosis and calcivirus are endemic to the population of rabbits in Spain and Portugal. They are also concerned about the extinction of predator species such as the Iberian Lynx and Imperial eagle which rely on large numbers of rabbits to survive.The rabbit is also an important part of the food chain in poorer sustenance regions. They also investigated side transmission of vaccination; their attempts with side transmission of the vaccine were unsuccessful.
More information and journal articles will be researched from Spain and Portugal for example: The Effects of vaccination against viral haemorrhagic disease and myxomatosis on long-term mortality rates of European wild rabbits by authors such as C. Calvete, R. Estrada, J. Lucientes, J. J. Osacar, R. Villafuerte.
Andrew Smith, Chair of the IUCN SSC Lagomorph Specialist Group and Professor at Arizona State University state that
“Lagomorphs include some of the most endangered species on the planet. Because of their ecological importance as prey, population declines of lagomorphs have led to catastrophic declines in predator species. In addition, some of the lagomorphs are important game animals formerly occurring in areas that are economically depressed. All these factors mean that strong action is necessary to conserve this group of animals, key players in the world’s ecosystems.”
Luis Ruedas, member of the IUCN SSC Lagomorph Specialist Group and Professor at Portland State University says that
“Rabbits are considered to be a ‘keystone species’ as they have an effect on the environment that is disproportionate relative to their numbers. Because of this, their decline can have a huge impact on other species,” “The reduction in rabbit numbers in the Iberian Peninsula led to a decline in the Critically Endangered Iberian Lynx, Lynx pardina, as well as the Vulnerable Spanish Imperial Eagle, Aquila adalberti.”
We ask that if our government’s views are correct regarding side transmission, then why this is not effective with conservation efforts caused by the prevalence of myxomatosis in Spain and Portugal?
Cross placental immunity
Although not stated as yet by government argument, cross placental immunity occurs from a mother to its offspring with another virus used for rabbit control, calcivirus. According to Dr Narelle Walther, from the Melbourne Rabbit Clinic, if the mother rabbit is vaccinated it will pass antibodies to its offspring, conferring temporary immunity lasting only between 8 to 12 weeks. Research so far in regard to cross placental immunity has not been found regarding Myxomatosis. The vaccine should be available to owners of desexed rabbits
We advocate all pet rabbits to be desexed as part of responsible ownership and a proposal for the Compulsory Desexing of Rabbits is tabled for consideration by the Bureau of Animal Welfare, Department of Primary Industries Victoria.
Future genetically modified vaccines or viruses
There are two types in development
• Spanish researchers worked on a G.M. Myxomatosis/ Calcivirus vaccine that will spread from rabbit to rabbit, to arrest their decline in numbers as a conservation method. This has been developed but not released due to concerns regarding crossover to humans.
• Australian researchers are working on a G.M. myxomatosis virus that will spread from rabbit to rabbit resulting in sterility of females as a method to eradicate rabbits.
There is a danger that if either genetically modified product were to cross borders it could have catastrophic results. There is a danger of rabbits being exterminated in areas under threat or alternately nullifying control measures in other areas.
Historically rabbit biological control measures have spread illegally into other countries. Extremist groups exist within the rabbit community in Australia and with emotions running at a high levels over this issue may, cause inappropriate action.
For example: Recently we have been criticised by a vegan group who barred us from their group over our suggestion to run a sausage sizzle for fund raising for Rabbit Run-Away Orphanage. The release of the Spanish vaccine in Australia by misguided persons would nullify biological control here making it pointless to use Myxomatosis as a control. The release of a vaccine for Myxomatosis would nullify this threat.
The Australian government appears to be misleading the public about rabbit to rabbit transmission of present vaccines as research and experiments by the Spanish Government has proved otherwise.
Other Support for vaccination
Initial correspondence from Corné Loots, Business Unit Manager, Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health Australia, who has consulted with the parent company in the UK, manufacturer of a myxomatosis vaccine is as follows:
“The virus undergoes some local multiplication at the site of inoculation however it doesn't seem to spread beyond there and no virus has been found in the blood. This means that although it is theoretically possible for a biting insect to pick up the virus it would only be from any tissue picked up incidentally from the site and not in the blood itself. In terms of the minimum infectious dose this would make it highly improbable that any biting insect could actually spread infection to other rabbits and so the risk of spread will to all practical intents and purposes be nil.”
The Australian Veterinary Association has been campaigning for the release of the Myxomatosis vaccine for over 3 years; we are awaiting a response from them to see if there are synergies that we can use with this campaign to introduce the vaccine. Dr Brendon Carmel, one of our vets has this responsibility and will be unavailable for comment until the end of July due to his commitments with a conference.
We are also awaiting advice from a virologist experienced with myxomatosis.
Is the immunity of wild rabbits over the last 50 years caused by the wild rabbits becoming immune or is the myxo infection weakening with time
Another senior vet is conducting a literature search on our behalf as she has better availability to international journal articles. We are especially interested in articles from Spain.
We are considering contacting the British Veterinary Association for advice should this be needed and to obtain a view from a country where a vaccine has been available for a long period of time.
American research
When studying research from the USA it should be realised that their native rabbit, the Cottontail is a different genus to the European rabbit here in Australia. Myxomatosis is not fatal to the Cottontail and results in extensive skin lesions which the rabbit recovers from. Also the proposed vaccine used for the European rabbit to immunise against myxomatosis is fatal to the Cottontail
Options for taking action
• Petitioning Federal Government for legislative change
This is the simplest action and should be explored prior to other action. This is unlikely to meet with success.
• Petitioning individual State Government for legislative change
This may be successful but the results may result in cross border smuggling of rabbits or vaccine between the states due to differing legislation and attitudes.
• Type of Legal action
o Class action
This would primarily emphasise humanitarian grounds.
Legal costs would be shared by the group. These may or may not be recoverable.
o Individual action by Rabbit Runaway Orphanage
The primarily emphasise is government arguments about rabbit to rabbit transmission of present vaccines. As a registered charity and Victoria’s first legally permitted pet rabbit facility RRO is eligible for legal aid under the assert test.
Should we consider legal action?
Should we consider legal proceedings action against the Federal Minister of Agriculture for loss of property (rabbits), and the pain and suffering to owners due to the federal government’s refusal to consider or allow a vaccination for pet companion rabbits against the deadly myxomatosis virus in Australia?
So, why take the animal cause into the court room (beyond existing cases of modest enforcement)? First, unlike politicians, judges will dispassionately hear and determine a case brought before them, provided there is a justiciable issue. Second, success in litigation confers the imprimatur of a court. Sometimes this will be reported in the media and so confer a wider appreciation of the principle sanctioned by the litigation. Third, it moves the cause beyond reliance upon public education campaigns. Sometimes, in particular instances proactive steps can be taken to protect particular animals by recourse to the courts, rather than simply by way of a legal ‘post-mortem’ vindicating the cause of their fate as ill-treatment at the hands of a defendant. Here, the mainspring is a striving for justice. Graeme McEwen LL.M. (Melb) Animal Law: Principles and Frontiers
The Senator the Hon. Joe Ludwig, Minister for Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry, and Senator for Queensland has been given enough opportunity over the years to change his stance through the use of petitions, and by other organisations who have presented arguments. As a person who was brought up in Queensland, his actions suggest that his views about rabbits are biased and his experience and awareness of rabbits as pets is nil. In Queensland ownership of a pet rabbit is banned and carries a $30,000 fine. This culture ensures that most people who are born and bred in Queensland have the view that all rabbits are alien and a feral pest as do other persons in farming communities. Their views are that the best course of action is extermination of the species and anything else to do with a rabbit is to be combated, companion pet or otherwise.
Any action other than legal proceedings to introduce the vaccination against myxomatosis is likely to fail if presented to the present Federal Government due to the reaction from Queensland. Changes to Individual State legislation may be possible using argument and petition, but may result in differing legislation from State to State. Some may allow it whilst others may not.
Aim of legal action.
The aim is to force the Federal Government to address this issue rather than their standard response of ignoring petitions and other pressure from the public. We would aim to prove that the vaccine should be made available to rabbit owners on humane grounds and that federal government assertions that a vaccinated rabbit can cause immunisation within the feral populations are false.
Is there a case for legal action?
The initial literature gathered so far is encouraging but there is a need to further strengthen the arguments used, more journal articles are needed and are expected to arrive from the sources mentioned above.
Advice from Lawyers for Animals has been sought and we await their advice.
Advantages / disadvantages
This will be completed upon advice from bodies such as;
• the legal profession
Lawyers for Animals
Barristers Animal Welfare Panel
Graeme McEwen LL.M. (Melb)
• Medical profession
AVA
British Veterinary Association (UK)
Dr Brendon Carmel. BVSc MVS MACVSc (Unusual Pets) GDipComp
Dr Gerry Singer. BSc, BVSc, PhD, MRCVS, MACVSc (ECC)
• Rabbit welfare Organisations
House Rabbit Society (USA)
Rabbit Welfare Association (UK)
RSPCA (UK)
Best outcome
The best result would be to force the Federal Government to take this issue seriously, and be made aware of the concerns and effects to pet rabbit owners to Myxomatosis.
Avoidance or minimisation of legal action is in the Governments best interest due to the adverse publicity this would probably create, especially when it is brought about by a registered charity.
Summary
According to Rabbit Run and Rabbit Run-Away Orphanage databases, we note that roughly a quarter of rabbit owners lost their rabbits in a cruel and inhumane way due to myxomatosis starting last summer. We cannot permit this to happen again. Dog and Cat owners would not put up with this situation and neither will we.
Bryce Inglis
Vice President Rabbit Run–Away Orphanage
Proprietor Rabbit Run
Member House Rabbit Society
(03) 9751 1229
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