From Des Cooper, Macquarie University
There are two major problems with the proposed oral vaccine contraceptive for
possums
(4 March, p 18).
First, there will be rapid selection for animals which fail to produce an
immune response against the gametes of their own species, making the method
ineffective within a few generations.
Secondly, selection will be for decreased immune function. New Zealand
possums are one of the main reservoirs of bovine tuberculosis. Increased
susceptibility of possums to this disease would be disastrous for New Zealand,
with its dependence on beef and dairy products.
Similar considerations could affect the proposed immunocontraception of
koalas in Australia. Wide public debate is needed in both countries before this
work is allowed to continue.
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