The introduction of RCD to New Zealand was, and is a controversial issue. It was welcomed by many farmers and condemned by others as an irresponsible breach of our biosecurity regulations to control the introduction of pests and diseases into New Zealand. In this unit we encourage students to research and debate the issues involved. The unit also serves as an introduction to the excellent MAF Website where all the issues are fully documented . 245T is a chemical control Tell the students that on 2 July 1997, MAF announced that RCD was not permitted to be imported as a biological control agent for rabbits in New Zealand.
Groups brainstorm and report back with their responses.
Students list questions about rabbits and RCD that we need to find answers for during the study. Refer to original prior research student questions. Invite a local farmer to talk to the class. Discuss the measures that NZ takes to keep pests and diseases out of the country to protect our agriculture and forestry. Introduce a debate on the illegal importation of RCD, e.g. 'The illegal importing of RCD to control rabbits was justified by some farmers as more important than obeying the laws of New Zealand'.