New Scientist reporter James Woodford found himself in the middle of a rabbit-related controversy back in October 1995. The story began when a potential biocontrol virus, designed to tackle Australia’s feral rabbit population, escaped quarantine and spread to Yunta, a remote location 250 kilometres away from its origin at Point Pearce.
Woodford, a cub environment reporter at the time, was one of the few individuals who had been to both quarantine areas. With the virus now on the loose, he found himself at the forefront of reporting on the unfolding crisis. The virus, a lethal rabbit calicivirus disease being tested by CSIRO, had unintended consequences when it spread beyond its initial containment.
As Woodford and photographer Peter Rae rushed to the affected areas, they witnessed the aftermath of the virus’s impact – dead rabbits scattered across the landscape. The severity of the situation prompted Woodford to delve deeper into the potential implications if the virus continued to spread uncontrollably.
Interviewing key stakeholders in the rabbit meat and fur industry, including a rabbit shooter named Clinton Degenhardt, Woodford uncovered the fears and uncertainties surrounding the future of these businesses. The resulting front-page story shed light on the far-reaching consequences of the virus outbreak.
However, a twist in the tale emerged when Woodford and Rae were accused of inadvertently spreading the virus themselves. Speculation and media frenzy ensued, with even politicians weighing in on the matter. Ultimately, the blame was shifted to blowflies as potential carriers of the virus, and the focus shifted away from Woodford and Rae.
In the aftermath of the virus’s spread, millions of rabbits perished across Australia, providing temporary relief to farmers and conservationists grappling with the impact of feral rabbit populations. Woodford’s journey came full circle when he visited a rabbit-free cattle farm in Central Australia, where he was honored for his unintentional role in the virus’s containment.
The rabbit virus incident remains a memorable chapter in Woodford’s career, showcasing the unpredictable nature of biocontrol measures and the delicate balance between environmental intervention and unintended consequences. Despite the initial turmoil and accusations, the eventual outcome led to a significant reduction in Australia’s feral rabbit population, highlighting the complex interplay between human intervention and natural ecosystems.
