Rabbit Calicivirus Disease - Magic Bullet or Pandora's Box?

A Case Study on Biological Controls

Author:	Gary M. Fortier Department of Animal Biotechnology and Conservation Delaware Valley College gary.fortier@delval.edu
Abstract:	The characters in this dilemma case, representing the scientific community and government, must make a decision about whether or not to release a virulent pathogen into the environment in order to control the rapidly expanding population of European rabbits in New Zealand. As they work through the case, students grapple with the complex issues associated with introduced species and biological controls. The case was originally written for a wildlife management course taught to college juniors and seniors.
Objectives:	Understand the potential hazards posed by biological introductions. Predict whether a biological control agent is likely to be effective. Understand the spread of disease and how pathogens may sometimes be able to jump to new host species. Explain the evolutionary "arms race," the evolution of virulence, and why organisms may become resistant to control measures over time. Perform a risk assessment.
Keywords:	Biocontrol; biological control; calicivirus; myxoma; species introduction; alien species; introduced species; pest management; European rabbit; New Zealand; environmental decision-making
Topical Area:	Ethics, Policy issues
Educational Level:	Undergraduate upper division, Graduate
Formats:	PDF
Type/Method:	Dilemma/Decision, Jig-Saw, Problem-Based Learning
Language:	English
Subject Headings:	Wildlife Management Ecology Zoology
Date Posted:	10/16/02
Date Modified:	N/A
Copyright:	Copyright held by the National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science, University at Buffalo, State University of New York. Please see our usage guidelines, which outline our policy concerning permissible reproduction of this work.

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