7 replies to this topic

[ice]

I’m not sure about all this. This virus I think has its risks as well as benefits and I’m sure it would be researched and tested sufficiently in this day and age before use. I think it’s a good idea to eradicate feral carp from our waterways regardless of how much or little damage they are doing because even if it is small it is still damage even with all the environmental differences you speak of these days.

I've seen first hand the damage a carp can do to a water way and I’ve also seen carp eating frogs, tadpoles, yabbies and even smaller carp. They do disturb the habitat of both adult and juvenile native fish due to their feeding habits and ability to reproduce much more efficiently.

At the same time I agree that peoples prize koi should not be targeted, but we also need to understand that this is where the problem began in the first place with people being irresponsible with their fish keeping. These issues could be solved by controlling the way a carp can be kept via licensing or even just making them noxious. This would create a whole other set of problems.

The easiest and most effective way is really the only way that it would work and that would be eradicating all of the ferals and adding carp to the noxious list. I don’t necessarily agree that it should be done in that way but it's probably what will end up happening.

I do think however that anything that will make a positive difference in the conservation of our native wildlife should be done.

Would like to know other peoples views on this also?

[Kleinz]

I agree with Fish Lips.

SAVE DA CANE TOAD.... THEY AR PRITY!


sure.

[garlic shrimp]

yeah ,thats good,lets release a deadly virus that might have the potential to kill off other species or have an effect on the enviroment that could be drastic,,what about the birds drinking out of these water ways,the frogs,snakes and other little creatures that contribute to the eco system,would you catch and eat fish out of any of our water ways after knowing something like koi herpes virus has been intentionally put in the water?the very naitive species that they're trying to 'protect' could come undone because as usual like most idea's the government seem to touch,they go in prematurely, well under prepared or under educated on what they're going to do,spend an absoloute huge amount of taxpayers money on expensive ad campains to promote them selves to look like they're earning their inflated salaries and either ruin or give up on the idea and then start pointing the finger as to save their own behinds. tailor numbers have gone down in by gone years at the beach,i suppose fresh water carp are to blame as well.i dont claim to have the right answer ,and although the government may claim its in the best intrests of native species protection, intentionally introducing 'desease' in my opinion is definately not the correct answer.
my 2 cents,
Con.

[sandgroper]

Are these the same so called experts, ( ) that thought they could eradicate the pearl cichlid by blowing them up. ( ). No wonder they keep stuffing up the enviroment. The reason for so many carp, is because there a hardy fish that can withstand more of the pollution and toxins that we pump into our water ways compared to the native species. The poor old dolphins can't even live in it any more but no it's not us humans at fault, let blame the poor carp. Where all morons, except Hawk supporters.

[bigjohnnofish]

lets hear some more about the virus first before we make decisions... lets look at the rabbits and see what we can learn.... i know one thing for sure we have them in good numbers around our area... and have had them for many years... heres a couple bits of info cut/pasted from csrio page...

History

Rabbit Calicivirus Disease (RCD) is a viral disease which affects only European rabbits. The virus probably originated from a less virulent form present in rabbit populations for many years. It was first reported in China in 1984 and soon after in other countries in Asia and Europe and in Mexico.
These reports alerted scientists to a potentially new biological control for wild rabbits in Australia and New Zealand. The virus was taken into quarantine at the CSIRO Australian Animal Health Laboratory in Geelong for comprehensive testing over three years from June 1991.
During fields trials in 1995 it escaped from Wardang Island, South Australia. The virus swept across the Flinders Ranges through the arid zone and killed large numbers of rabbits.

Effectiveness

The virus has since spread throughout most of Australia, mainly by natural spread. To date its impact has generally been greatest in the arid and semi-arid zone. Initial results from wetter areas have been lower.
It is predicted by some people that RCD and rabbits will evolve together to a point where the virus becomes less effective. This could occur most rapidly in the arid zone of Australia where the death rate is higher now, prompting an increase in natural selection for resistant rabbits.

How does it work?

RCD infects many organs including the lungs, gut and liver of the rabbit. The latter causes acute hepatitis that can kill the rabbit within 48 hours by precipitating a rapid and widespread blood clotting mechanism.
Whether RCD is effective depends on age. Rabbits less than three weeks old are not affected and only 60% of rabbits between three to six weeks old are affected. Particularly if young animals are infected and survive, they become immunised against infection when they are older. Female rabbits that are infected by the virus and survive will pass antibodies via their milk to their young, giving them protection for up to 12 weeks after birth.


better idea heres the link

http://www.csiro.au/...DFactsheet.aspx

and just download the pdf file prompt and read the 2 pages it provides...

will this be the same with carp???? will we get resistant carp also and then they will re-populate ???

[ice]

I think if implemented and studied properly it would have a far better chance of working properly. I think unlike the rabbits if it was released in a massive widespread hit it would be far more effective. Even so biological warfare is a bit of a worry!

[bigjohnnofish]

how else are we gonna de-populate this planet??? lol