Deliberate Spread of Viruses or Other Biological Control Methods
SPCA advocates for the use of methods of population control that minimise the negative welfare harms caused to targeted and non-targeted animals. SPCA opposes the use of viruses or other biological control methods that cause welfare harm to control animal populations.
Viruses or other biological control methods can have significant negative animal welfare impacts on target and non-target species. In addition, SPCA is concerned about the potential for unforeseen and negative consequences from biological control methods for humans, animals, and the environment. SPCA is concerned with the use of contagious viral mechanisms to facilitate temporary or permanent sterilisation due to the unintended spread to non-target animals.
If biological control methods deployed to control an animal population can impact companion or farmed animals, then owners should be notified with adequate time to take protective measures (including vaccinations) for their pets or farmed animals prior to any proposed release.
