EXTERMINATING HARES.

Shannon News, 8 December 1925, Page 3

EXTERMINATING HARES.

The- question of the extermination; of hares, recognised carriers of cattle tick, in addition to rabbits, was a question • discussed by the East Coast Rabbit Board. The question was. brought up in a letter received from the Opotiki branch of th'o Farmers' Union, which requested that the Board should consider the extermination of hares in that district, as the cattle tick menace could not be combated while the hares were alive to carry the tick from one portion of the district to another. The Board, however, decided that no action could be , taken as they had no authority to destroy any other animals than "rabbits. When the letter was read Mr. Cameron pointed out that tlve Board had no authority to do as the Opotiki Farm- . ers' Union requested, their operations being confined entirely to the destruction of rabbits. It might, however, be advisable to obtain authority to do so. Ask'ed his opinion on the matter, Mr. D. Ross, inspector of stock, said that hares certainly were carriers of the tick, but on the other hand almost all animals and many birds had the capacity for the carrying of the ticli from place to place. The trouble was not serious in the Opotiki district. Mr. Trafford remarked that as there were now only a few rabbits in the district it might be advisable to obtain autlioritv to exterminate hares also. The chairman, Mr. E. M. Ilulchitv son, pointed out that this would be too great an undertaking. They should advise the Opotiki Farmers' Union that the Board could take no action in the matter. It was decided that this course be adopted.