IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR PET RABBIT OWNERS FROM THE NZ VETERINARY ASSOCIATION
Do you have a pet rabbit?
Do you know about RHDV1-K5?
Pet rabbits in New Zealand have been living with the risk of disease since the rabbit calicivirus was illegally released in 1997. The new strain set to be released in Autumn 2018 is just as deadly to pet rabbits as the existing strain. However, there may be an increase in cases among the wild rabbit population therefore increasing the possibility of exposure of the virus to pet rabbits.
Pet owners should ensure that they continue to take all available measures to protect their pet rabbits, particularly in areas that are close to populations of wild rabbits.
What can be done to protect pet rabbits against RHDV1-K5?
Rabbits should be vaccinated from 10 to 12 weeks of age, and boosters given according to your veterinarian's recommendation to ensure ongoing protection.
We also recommend the following biosecurity measures for pet rabbit owners:
* Control insects (especially flies and fleas) as much as possible both indoors and outdoors. Flies are the main vector through which the virus is spread.
* Remove uneaten food on a daily basis.
* Keep your pet rabbit indoors where possible.
* Rabbit-proof your backyard to prevent access by wild rabbits
* Regularly decontaminate equipment and materials (e.g. cages, hutches, bowls) with either 10% bleach or 10% sodium hydroxide. 10 minutes' contact time is required, then rinse off.
* Limit contact with and handling of unfamiliar pet rabbits.
* Use good biosecurity measures (e.g. wash hands, shoes, clothing) after handling other people’s rabbits.
* Avoid cutting grass and feeding it to your rabbits if there is the risk of contamination from wild rabbits.
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QUESTION:
Wainuiomata, being fairly rural (ie: Moores Valley, Coast Road) and having a large scenic reserve in Homedale, would have a fairly substantial wild rabbit population. It also has a fairly substantial domestic pet rabbit population. I would like to know if this virus is going to be released in Wainuiomata and, if it is, where specifically?
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
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3.6% Second half of November
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32.9% 1st December
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23.6% A week before Christmas
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37.1% Whenever you wish
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2.9% Other - I'll share below
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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85.3% Yes
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13.7% No
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1% Other - I'll share below
scumbags
There are some really awful people around at the moment. This is what happened on Sunday.
We live in Hinemoa Street opposite the Waiwhetu Stream. At around 3.40 in the afternoon I was looking out my window and saw a car pull up and start to feed the geese and ducks out the window. Then The passenger an asian man jumped out and threw himself onto a goose. he picked it up and put it the boot of the car.
I immediately ran over and stood in front of his car to stop him moving I also called my husband to help. A lovely man was riding his bike and saw it and stopped to help me. The driver tried to drive into me but I didnt move. He tried telling us it was his pet. These are wild geese.
They had a cage in the boot and some wire all ready to catch the poor bird like they have done it before. My husband took the bird from the car and released it. I then moved out of the way and after lots of abuse from the driver they drove off threatening to come back and get more.
No one should be allowed to take these beautiful birds and certainly not like this. they are all starting to have wee babies at the moment the whole thing was so upsetting to me. Another neighbour further down the road also saw it all happen.
Please keep a look out for this car and if you see them by the stream go over and watch them lets all stop this happening.
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