Calicivirus vaccine protects one important rabbit

The vaccine guarding against the new strain of Calicivirus has enabled one important rabbit to continue undeterred by the biological control.
Thanks to the foresight and quick thinking of the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF), boys and girls will still wake up to chocolate eggs on Easter Sunday after the Easter Bunny was successfully vaccinated against the K5 Calicivirus.
“When the strain was released earlier this year NFF hopped into action and reached out to Easter HQ to check that the Easter Bunny’s vaccinations were all up to date,” NFF President Fiona Simson said.
“We understand that as soon as Easter HQ was contacted by NFF staff (no mean feat given the mysterious nature of the Easter Egg ‘burrow’) the Easter Bunny immediately made an appointment with her veterinarian to ensure she had received the most up-to-date vaccinations.” Ms Simson added.
Given it is the busiest time of year for Easter HQ, a spokes-bunny issued a prepared statement:
“We are pleased to confirm that, in consultation with our veterinary team, the Easter Bunny is protected against the K5 Calicivirus meaning that the scheduled delivery of Easter eggs will go ahead this as usual this weekend in Australia.”
“On behalf of the Easter Bunny and all the team here at Easter HQ, we would like to express our sincere thanks to the NFF for the significant lengths its staff went to contact us and advise that a new Calicivirus had been released in Australia.
“We respect that Australia must maintain the highest standards of biosecurity and the Easter Bunny was more than happy to comply – we certainly do not want to put at risk Australia’s reputation of producing clean, green food. Indeed Australia’s dairy produce is a significant ingredient for our egg production and appreciate its high quality – we would not settle for anything less.”
In a nod to current political issues, the statement added:
“We are disappointed that the highly procreative and productive nature of uncivilised ‘cousins’ in Australia continues to give bunnies everywhere a bad name.
“While we do not wish to harm any bunny, we understand that tools such as the K5 Calicivirus are an important tool for Australian farmers and ready access to such controls is vital – something which we hope will continue as the APVMA relocates to Armidale.”
Ms Simson added that the NFF was delighted to play a role in ensuring the Easter egg delivery went ahead uninterrupted.
“The Easter holiday is an important time for the farming community.
“It represents an occasion to take time out with friends, family and our communities to come together and enjoy wonderful Australian produce.”
Ms Simson said her household would certainly be enjoying a traditional lamb roast with lots of veggies – and perhaps a little Australian red wine.
“We will be toasting a productive year for Australian agriculture. I would like to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday – and of course safe travels for the Easter Bunny.