Rod, at 11:19 on May 25 1996, you wrote to Bill Grimsley...

BG> A good example of this is a certain pig disease (can't remember the
BG> name off hand) which, for some inexplicable reason, started infecting
BG> British racehorses in the early 1980s.  Only a few were infected, mainly
BG> due to rapid quarantine, but the possibility appears to exist regardless.

RS> There are actually quite a few examples. HIV is another, 

True, good point.

RS> so is that recent equine morbili virus that killed horses in Bris and 
RS> atleast one human.

Two now (confirmation expected this week).

RS> There is also an example which moved from dogs to cats
RS> in the last few years, and its now known that just TWO
RS> gene changes was all that it took to infect cats.

What disease is that, and where can I buy it?  Bullets are too expensive now.

RS> Yes, there are survivors in the Flinders Ranges. Corse you
RS> can choose to just kill those with the traditional methods too.

BG> And if they manage to breed, would it be reasonable
BG> to expect that their offspring will also be immune?

RS> Thats complicated. If the ones who didnt die didnt die because of their
RS> genetics, they are genetically different and dont die when exposed to
RS> the virus, and those genes arent recessive etc, then yes, you will get
RS> offspring which dont get killed by the virus.

So in decimating the rabbit population, we're unintentionally breeding a
super race of virus-resistant rodents.  Oh well, at least Akubra will be
happy.

RS> If on the other hand it isnt a genetic difference that causes a
RS> percentage to survive, say its the age they are exposed to the virus
RS> or something like that, then in that case you dont get immunity passed.

Sure, but if it's anywhere near as virulent as reported by the hysterical
local media, I can't see any individuals from a particular infected colony
surviving, unless they have actually somehow become (or are already)
immune.

Regards, Bill
@EOT:

--- MsgedSQ/2 3.30