Why release an OIE listed disease in Australia? What are the implications?

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Date: Mon, Jul 30, 2012 at 7:51 PM
Subject: Aquatic Veterinary Medicine (Biological warfare to hit carp in the next 5 years!): New post from David Scarfe

While superficially the idea of purposefully introducing a virus to control
populations of other species appears to be a good idea, I would suggest
that a lot more research be done before a risk-benefit (and consequences)
analysis is ever attempted.  I suspect that Biosecurity Australia and DAFF
will (or should) put a halt on this proposal – at least until a lot of
information is produced.
Purposefully introducing a virus as lethal as KHV into the environment, in
an attempt to control carp populations, is not only foolish, but it is
very irresponsible.  It clearly illustrates the lack of knowledge of the
pathophysiology and epidemiology of this (or perhaps any) herpesvirus.
Furthermore, because KHV is an internationally reportable (e.g. OIE), it
will dramatically impact future export of, not only carp (e.g. Koi), but
perhaps all Australian finfish.  It also clearly illustrates a lack of
understanding of ecosystem succession and evolution.  I’m totally amazed, I would have thought with the extraordinary levels
Australia has historically taken to protect its animal and plant resources,
and the experience with numerous similar past approaches (e.g. controlling
cactus, rabbits, and a lot of other examples) Australia would have learned
of the dangers.