Possum vaccinations in Kiwis TB fight
19 July 2000
Possum vaccinations in Kiwis’ TB fight
NEW Zealand scientists are considering immunising possums to stop the spread of bovine TB, reports The Guardian.
Researchers at Massey University, Palmerston North, have completed an extensive field trial which they claim stopped the spread of the disease.
Once vaccinations began, the team, led by Roger Morris, reported a 70% reduction in the number of bovine TB cases in vaccinated animals.
In the past 15 months, researchers believe they have stopped the spread even in unvaccinated animals.
The team is also developing a self-vaccinator with a lure to tempt possums and equipment which puffs vaccine on to the animals face.
The British government, which is running controversial badger culls to investigate the spread of bovine TB, says it is interested in the New Zealand scheme.