Fig 1.
Past and future viral biocontrols of vertebrate pest species.
A limited number of viruses have been used to control invasive vertebrate pests on a global scale: (i) Feline panleukopenia virus against cats on Marion Island (magnified on the map in grey), (ii) MYXV against rabbits in Europe and Australia, and (iii) RHDV in Australia and New Zealand. Despite some initial success, classical swine fever virus proved to be an unsuccessful biocontrol against wild boar on the Channel Islands in California (the islands are magnified, with the two islands affected, Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa, shown in grey). Safety testing is currently underway for the possible release of KHV against carp in Australia. Abbreviations: KHV koi herpesvirus, MYXV myxoma virus, RHDV rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus.