A virulent strain of herpes virus will be released into the Murray-Darling river system in a bid to eradicate European carp, in what Science Minister Christopher Pyne has dubbed a “carp-aggedon”.
The Federal Government estimates the $15 million project will kill 95 per cent of carp in the river system over the next 30 years. Speaking in Adelaide, Mr Pyne said the herpes strain cyprinid herpesvirus-3 would be released in 2018. He said research by the CSIRO had shown the virus is safe, and has no impact on humans.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-05-01/herpes-to-eradicate-carp-in-murray-river-pyne-says/7373736
Group photo shows Senator Anne Ruston, Hon Christopher Pyne, Dr Michael Sierp Managing Director Aquatic Biosecurity Pty Ltd and SAFGA State Fisheries Offier, Peter Teakle at Minister Pyne’s Carp Herpis virus launch at Murray Bridge yesterday.