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badsworth

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    Near Bridport (West Dorset UK)

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  1. Yes, Hares are making a strong comeback here too. I don't shoot them - partly because their numbers have been low for years and there still aren't enough to cause problems, and partly because it seems unsporting. They have not been shot for years and have little fear of humans. Most of the ones I see sit and stare at you like Labrador puppies (and about as big) until you get about 30 yards away. B
  2. No hard feelings Big Al - I am pleased for you. It used to be like that round here, and might be again one day. In Aus the mortality rate from Calesivirus has fallen to around 15% in some areas and they are trying to develop a new strain. Hopefully things will return to a more equable level in time around here. B
  3. I went out last week with my NV gear and covered about 200 acres. I would once have expected to see 100-200 rabbits in the course of a night. Instead I saw 5! That was 5 single rabbits in 5 different locations. I have noted some of the slightly sceptical comments about the Govt. deliberately releasing infected rabbits, and must admit that I was also not inclined to believe them - but see this clip on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEmNzAIELK8 You will see that in Australia the government are quite open about releasing it. Perhaps the government here are a bit more reluctant because they know that the 'bunny huggers' would be out in their thousands, probably led by Brian May! In AUS they call RVHD 'Calicivirus', which is a bit easier to remember. The disease is very quick acting, and over 90% fatal, death following usually in 1 to 3 days. The few rabbits that recover go on to act as carriers spreading the disease even further. Because death follows so quickly most of the carcasses are underground and unseen lying within the burrows. The carcasses which are aboveground still seem to be eaten by foxes, badgers and other predators who then go on to spread the disease further with their faeces. The disease is thought to have spread to the wild rabbit population from contact with pet rabbits and not the other way around. Angorra rabbits are thought by some to have been the originators of the first outbreak. The symptoms of the disease are hard to spot, and because death follows so quickly the disease has proved to be devastating even for pet rabbits - most affected bunnies go from being the lethargic and off-colour to being dead very quickly. Fortunately the disease only affects rabbits, and death occurs as a result of haemorrhaging - usually internally but sometimes externally as well. I think this is a situation worth keeping an eye on. Badsworth
  4. Has anyone else noticed a decline in the number of rabbits? I live near Bridport on the South Coast, and the number of rabbits around here has fallen by well over 50% in the last 3/4 years. Fields where I used to see 2 or 3 dozen rabbits, now have only 2 or 3. I know there are obviously loads that you don't see but the difference is stark. If I went out for an evening's rabbiting I would be confident of bringing home 5 or 6 (my record for a day is 53) - now I sometimes have to work hard to get even one. The answer is not just mixy - it breaks out from time to time, but the rabbits are much more resistant to it now and many recover. Yes the number of birds of prey and badgers are factors (this area is crawling with badgers), but only a part of the reason. The number of foxes is about the same as 11 years ago when I moved here. I understand that there are a number of new diseases which effect rabbits and which are the primary cause. Does anyone know anything about them? I don't suppose the farmers will mourn their loss but to see such a massive change in the population in such a short time is quite disconcerting. Badsworth
  5. How much is Chris C charging for a Glock please? Sounds like just what I want. Which model? How many mags was it supplied with? Thanks Badsworth

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