RCD – Rabbit Calicivirus Disease

RCD – Rabbit Calicivirus Disease

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Overview
Using this Resource
Connecting to the Curriculum
Marking Student Responses
Further Resources
This task is about impact of a virus on the food chain of a rabbit.

This rabbit-killing virus was introduced to New Zealand in the winter of 1997. It was brought into New Zealand to control rabbits in the South Island. One way the virus has been spread is by the use of virus-infected carrots.   

Some notes on rabbits and the virus:
  • Rabbits up to 8 weeks old do not die from the disease even if they get infected.
  • The best time of year to release the virus is in autumn, but mid-to-late spring and summer are also good times.
  • Rabbits are estimated to cost the country $50 million in lost agriculture and $25 million in rabbit control, e.g., hunting and poisoning.
  • The virus can spread from rabbit to rabbit, and in Australia insects play a big part (especially in the warmer areas of the country) in spreading the disease.
  • A doe (female rabbit) can produce 8 litters a year each with 6 young.
  • Ferrets, stoats, and wild cats kill and eat rabbits.
  • Australian rabbits are more likely to live in warrens (a large hole with other rabbits).

Question 1Change answer

a)  Why might the disease not spread as easily in the South Island as it did in Australia?

Question 1Change answer

b)  What is one reason why it might be best to spread the virus in autumn?

Question 1Change answer

c)  Here is a food chain with the rabbit as a link in it, use it to help answer parts i) and ii).
Grass    arrow    Rabbit    arrow    Stoat   
i)  Explain why farmers regard the rabbit as a pest.
     
 
ii)  One of the possible reasons the Department of Conservation did not want the virus introduced was because of the likely effects on our native birds. What do they fear might happen?
     
Task administration: 
This task can be completed online or with pencil and paper.
Level:
4
Curriculum info: 
Science, Participating and contributing, Living World
Keywords: 
ecology, animal pests, rcd, rabbits, food chains, key competencies
Description of task: 
Some notes on the rabbit calicivirus are provided. Students use these and their own understandings of food chains to answer four questions.
Curriculum Links: 
Science capabilities
The capabilities focus is brought about by the conversations you have and the questions you ask.
 
Capability: Interpreting Representations
This resource provides opportunities to discuss the use of symbols and science representations of food chains.
 
Capability: Engage with science
This resource provides opportunities to discuss that any action has a range of consequences, including a possibility of unintended environmental consequences.
 
Science capabilities: 
Engage with science
Making Better Sense: 
Food Chains
Answers/responses: 
 

Y8 (06/1998)
a)   Any 1 of:

  • Because it is colder in NZ.
  • Less insects to spread disease in cooler areas, e.g., flies, mosquitos.
  • Not as many insect varieties in NZ that might spread the virus.
  • NZ rabbits do not live in warrens as much as Australian rabbits, i.e., less direct contact.
 easy
b)   Any 1 of:

  • Fewer young (i.e., immune) rabbits born, around this time of year.
  • More insects available to help spread virus.
  • Because rabbits more likely to eat carrots as not as much other food available.
  • Native birds less likely to be nesting, so if predators such as stoats look for other food sources, not as many young vulnerable birds would be around.
  • Less food available so rabbits eat carrots.
 very difficult
c) i)
 


ii)

 Eats grass/destroys pasture/promotes erosion/holes in ground.

Any 1 of:

  • Predators such as stoats, might begin to look for other food sources like native birds.
  • A species or several species of native birds may be affected by the virus.
 easy
 


easy