Smoke and Livestock
Dr. Randy Crom of APHIS spoke with Coalition Representatives this morning. He informed us that he was capable of answering questions regarding the disease, but not about APHIS policy. He referred us to another APHIS official to receive answers to our questions.In the course of this conversation three questions were answered. He informed us that the method of euthanization used on the 3,600 rabbits killed was an injection of Phenobarbital. The method of injection was not determined, primarily because we were so surprised, and glad to hear, that a humane method was used we forgot to ask.
Secondly, the call to euthanasize the three possibly healthy Rabbits, (preliminary tests showed them not to be infected) in Montana was made by the Montana State Veterinarian.
Finally we asked how the status of the current situation could be labeled as an "Emergency Management Warning" as their definition of such is "an ongoing incident with almost certain impact on APHIS" In that APHIS has never before had legal jurisdiction over Rabbits, it did not seem that the incident could have any ongoing impact on the agency. We were informed that under Title 9, which, according to Dr. Crom, is loosely worded, they have decided that Rabbits are now considered livestock. Further questions regarding their interpretation of Title 9 were referred to their legal counsel.
Those who breed for show or pet sales, people in rescue, and those who have multiple companion Rabbits, according to this development, may now be involved in agricultural efforts. Zoning issues many already face may now be impacted.
The Coalition addressed this issue in our policy suggestions last year; That an amendment be made to the Animal Welfare Act of 1972 giving APHIS jurisdiction over the control of, Education regarding and any other steps necessary to safeguard Animals from foreign Animal diseases that effect Animals covered by the Act, and for funding to be established for such.
To read our complete policy recommendations go here
Such a change would safeguard Rabbits without incurring the dangers inherent in their classification as livestock. The latter is something that has been extensively lobbied for by those who breed Rabbits for laboratory use.
Will this new standing apply to spayed and neutered Rabbits? Perhaps if caretakers are harvesting manure…
We proceeded to call the official Dr. Crom referred us to, Ed Curlett. Mr. Curlett delegated the job of speaking with us to Kimberly Smith, of their public relations staff. Ms. Smith called and stated that she could answer no questions directly, but would get back to us after researching the issues.
We asked Ms. Smith the following questions;
This becomes a great concern because the origin of RHD has never been determined. Yes we know it started in China. But How? Why? We also know that Caliciviruses have been been isolated in Rabbits along with Parvoviruses, (unpublished data from the Laboratory for Calicivirus Studies, OSU, Cultures held in Repository). RHD is thought to have been created by a combination of the two viruses, (Xu WY. Viral hemorrhagic disease of rabbits in the People's Republic of China: epidemiology and virus characterization. Revue Scientifique et Technique, Office International des Epizooties 1991;10:2393-408. , Gregg DA, House C, Meyer R, Berninger M. Viral haemorrhagic disease of rabbits in Mexico: epidemiology and viral characterization. Revue Scientifique et Technique, Office International des Epizooties 1991;10:2435-51. Ohlinger VF, Thiel HJ. Identification of the viral haemorrhagic disease in rabbits as a calicivirus. Revue Scientifique et Technique, Office International des Epizooties 1991;10:2311-23. Smith AW, SkillingDE, Cherry N, Mead JH, Matson DO. Calicivirus Emergence from Ocean Reservoirs: Zoonotic and Interspecies Movements. Emerging Infectious Diseases 4 1998a 1; 13-20) If RHD started in China because both viruses were present, should we not be concerned that both are present in the US?
These questions led to these questions from Ms. Smith, "Who are you? What organization?" The answer led her to ask a new question, "What is VHD?" Which of course led us to the renunciation of the USDA's decision to use the term RCD. We cannot get to adamant about this since we are using VHD instead of RHD, RHD being the true name.
Ms. Smith agreed to get back to us. She called later and requested that the questions be posed via email. We will now wait to see what happens. The last time we sent an email, during the Iowa "outbreak," despite several requests for a response and several promises that one would be provided, one never came.
When we sent a letter to Secretary Veneman the response was less than adequate.
We know that one of the foremost questions on the minds of the Rabbit Community is the decision to eradicate vs. vaccinate. We do not have a strong enough voice to make this issue even worth discussing. As noted on our website, "What is most interesting to note is that during the outbreak many of us spoke directly with APHIS officials. Some seemed downright friendly. In fact, as late as August of 2000, we were still talking with APHIS regarding future policy. The consensus seemed to be that until the Rabbit Community at large, (HRS, ARBA, The Coalition and online mailing groups), came together with a solid voice, nothing would be done."
Your comments and concerns are welcomed. We will be happy to post such on our website. If you would like to make a public statement regarding these issues, please let us know when responding and your comments will be included in our pages.
--Silver To All From Watership Down, by Richard Adams ©1972
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