Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/21653
Title: Social, conservation and economic implications of rabies in Australia
Contributor(s): Sparkes, Jessica (author); Ballard, Guy  (author)orcid ; Fleming, Peter  (author); Brown, Wendy  (author)orcid 
Publication Date: 2017
DOI: 10.7882/AZ.2014.033
Handle Link: https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/21653
Abstract: Biophilia, our inherent love of living things, is a major driver of the modern conservation ethic worldwide. Australians are particularly fond of wildlife and consequently, our fauna are key to our national image. As a nation, we are known for our relatively carefree attitude towards some of the world's most dangerous animals, including venomous snakes and spiders, as well as sharks. This has arisen largely because we are familiar with these species, understand the actual level of risk they pose and have some idea of how to safely interact with them. Unfortunately, the relationship between Australians and our wildlife could change significantly. Canine rabies, an infamous, fatal, viral zoonosis, is now less than 300 kilometers from the Australian mainland. We must face the possibility of a 'when', rather than 'if' scenario and begin to plan for rabies management on a continent where virtually the entire population is naïve. Human and animal health would be affected. People, domestic animals and wildlife may die. Perhaps worse, in terms of scale, is the likely change in the Australian way of life, including the way we perceive, value and interact with wildlife, pets and livestock. Of course, rabies is endemic in many other countries and people continue to actively engage in conservation programs, but these people have had a long time to come to terms with the risk in their midst and many undergo prophylactic vaccination to enable them to work with wildlife. Here, we discuss Australia's impending future with particular regard to how canine rabies could change our lives, the impacts it could have on wildlife conservation and the steps we must take to be prepared.
Publication Type: Journal Article
Source of Publication: Australian Zoologist, 38(3), p. 457-463
Publisher: Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales
Place of Publication: Australia
ISSN: 2204-2105
0067-2238
Fields of Research (FoR) 2008: 070203 Animal Management
070205 Animal Protection (Pests and Pathogens)
Fields of Research (FoR) 2020: 300302 Animal management
300304 Animal protection (incl. pests and pathogens)
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2008: 960405 Control of Pests, Diseases and Exotic Species at Regional or Larger Scales
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2020: 180204 Control of pests, diseases and exotic species in coastal and estuarine environments
Peer Reviewed: Yes
HERDC Category Description: C1 Refereed Article in a Scholarly Journal
Appears in Collections:Journal Article
School of Environmental and Rural Science

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