Do you have a pet rabbit? Do you know about RHDV1-K5?
Pet rabbits in New Zealand have been living with the risk of disease since the rabbit calicivirus was illegally released in 1997. The new strain set to be released in Autumn 2018 is just as deadly to pet rabbits as the existing strain. However, there may be an increase in cases among the wild rabbit population therefore increasing the possibility of exposure of the virus to pet rabbits.
Pet owners should ensure that they continue to take all available measures to protect their pet rabbits, particularly in areas that are close to populations of wild rabbits.
What can be done to protect pet rabbits against RHDV1-K5?
The Cylap vaccine does not have a label claim to protect against the K5 (new) RCD virus. However, a small trial showed it did protect. Vet Group's advice to rabbit owners is to vaccinate rabbits at 8 to 10 weeks, then at 14 to 16 wks, then every 12 months after the initial course. This should in most cases protect against the new RCD strain.
We also recommend the following biosecurity measures for pet rabbit owners:
• Control insects (especially flies and fleas) as much as possible
both indoors and outdoors. Flies are the main vector through
which the virus is spread.
• Remove uneaten food on a daily basis.
• Keep your pet rabbit indoors where possible.
• Rabbit-proof your backyard to prevent access by wild rabbits
• Regularly decontaminate equipment and materials (e.g. cages,
hutches, bowls) with either 10% bleach or 10% sodium
hydroxide. 10 minutes' contact time is required, then rinse off.
• Limit contact with and handling of unfamiliar pet rabbits.
• Use good biosecurity measures (e.g. wash hands, shoes,
clothing) after handling other people’s rabbits.
• Avoid cutting grass and feeding it to your rabbits if there is the
risk of contamination from wild rabbits
Source: NZVA
Please feel free to contact the clinic if you have any questions regarding the above or would like to book your rabbit in for a vaccination.
HOUSING AND COUNCILS 10 YEAR PLAN
Housing and the Council’s Ten Year Plan…
Actually, housing gets barely a mention in the Council’s Ten Year Plan.
And that is a significant problem because we all, except it seems the Council, are aware of the effects of the ‘baby boomer’ generation is happening now!
We have a rapid increase in the number of older adults over the age of 65 and a dramatic increase in adults over the age of 85 years.
Age Sector NZ has stated that 61,121 retirement units will be needed within the next ten years.
Statistics NZ estimates by 2040 approximately 600,000 65+ will be renting, so many of them will be living alone.
More older adults will experience housing insecurity in the coming years unless the country dramatically increases its supply of affordable homes for people ages 65 and up, who make up roughly one-fifth of the nation.
The Council currently operate 145 housing units for the elderly in a self-funded model. This approach is not keeping up with the need to upgrade and expand the housing stock. We are proposing to create a working capital fund of approximately $4m at a cost of $200,000 per
annum to provide for:
• Improvement and expansion of the housing for elderly service noting that this is contrary to
the current self-funding position of the Housing for the Elderly Policy.
• Expanding Council’s role in the provision of housing beyond housing for the elderly.
Given the crisis facing housing for older people this demonstrates a clear lack of interest, let alone commitment to the growing plight of so many of our older citizens.
An increasing share of people with low and fixed incomes will struggle to afford appropriate housing in the coming decade and we just don't have the housing and supports that we need for this growing population.
Our Council seems to continually dodge this issue - but it is growing larger day by day.
What can you do?
Contact your Council and tell them your concerns re housing for older adults.
If you can – urgently contact the Council by emailing a submission detailing your concerns to submissions@npdc.govt.nz or going online to: npdc.govt.nz/10-year-plan
Affordable housing for vulnerable older adults in our community is a ‘must’ not a ‘nice to have’
Gordon Hudson, Communications… 021 133 7244, gordonandjanr@xtra.co.nz
Positive Ageing NP
Rehomeing My Cat
I need to rehome my old cat as I am moving overseas, and just can’t put her down. Can anybody help me out please
Poll: Does the building consent process need to change?
We definitely need homes that are fit to live in but there are often frustrations when it comes to getting consent to modify your own home.
Do you think changes need made to the current process for building consent? Share your thoughts below.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
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91.5% Yes
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8.1% No
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0.5% Other - I'll share below!
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