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Article: Rabbit virus not the final solution
- Article from:
- Sunday Star-Times
- Article date:
- June 23, 1996
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright 1996 Sunday Star-Times. Provided by ProQuest LLC. (Hide copyright information)
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MANY farmers with rabbit-infested land seem to hope that a
biological control agent will soon be introduced to enable them to
save money on eradication.
In some southern areas the rabbit has made a comeback because just
600 tonnes of carrots were contracted to poisoning this year,
compared with between 2500 to 3500 tonnes in a normal season.
Interestingly, 80% of those committed 600 tonnes are due to be spread
in the Maniototo (East Otago) where pest control is still funded by a
regional rate -- until July 1. Elsewhere in the region, pest control
is on a user-pays basis.
Beef and sheep farmers have had a rugged time financially, with
wool prices down (especially fine wool) and beef at ...