Download 7.7 Strategies – Further questions and answers Q1. Bk Ch7 S7.7

7.7 Strategies – Further questions and answers
Q1.
Bk Ch7 S7.7 FQ1
Australia has very strict quarantine laws to protect against the entry of exotic plant and animal diseases.
The stallion Amerique, from the United States of America, who was entered in the 1999 Melbourne
Cup, was brought to Australia 3 weeks before the event and kept in quarantine facilities for 2 weeks.
After the arrival of the horse in Australia, and before its release from quarantine, it was reported that
there had been an outbreak of a serious horse virus, West Nile virus, in New York, about 300 km from
Maryland where the horse was trained. The disease had claimed the lives of six people and 13 horses in
the weeks leading up to the running of the Melbourne Cup.
West Nile virus occurs in birds. It is related to encephalitis and is spread by mosquitoes. Although
the disease is rare, tests for its presence in Amerique were not conducted by American or Australian
quarantine services. No proven vaccine is currently available against the virus.
Amerique was eventually withdrawn from the race, and did not run.
a
‘Amerique was trained a long way from the location of the outbreak of West Nile virus, and so
had no contact with any infected horses in the New York area. Therefore, he could not be at risk
of developing the disease.’ Comment on the validity of this statement.
b
Comment on the potential problems that would be associated with the introduction of this virus
for
i the Australian and international racing industry
ii the Australian and international community.
c
Do you think Amerique should have been allowed to race in the 1999 Melbourne Cup? Give
reasons for your point of view.
A1.
Bk Ch7 S7.7 FA1
a
b
West Nile virus is not spread by direct contact between horses. It is carried by a vector, in this
case, mosquitoes. It is wrong therefore to suggest that a horse is not at risk simply because it has
not had contact with other horses.
i The introduction of the West Nile virus into Australia could have potentially devastating
consequences for the Australian and international racing industry. In the space of a few
weeks it was responsible for the deaths of 13 racehorses in the USA. If the disease was
introduced into Australia it could easily spread from stable to stable because its transmission
is reliant on mosquitoes so it would be difficult to control. Australian and overseas horses
present in Australia could be equally affected. International horses in the undiagnosed early
stages of infection that are returning home could be the source of outbreaks affecting
overseas stables.
ii The West Nile virus was also the cause of death in six people in the USA. The spread of this
virus is a cause for serious concern for Australians and the international community because
of its potentially fatal nature. If it entered Australia it would be difficult to contain because
of its mode of transmission.
Q2.
Bk Ch7 S7.7 FQ2
Why are some infectious diseases listed as notifiable while others are not?
A2.
Bk Ch7 S7.7 FA2
Some infectious diseases are listed as notifiable because they have serious consequences for the wellbeing of the patient and they are relatively easily transmitted from one person to another.
Q3.
Bk Ch7 S7.7 FQ3
Do some library or Internet research to find out about public education campaigns run by the NSW
Cancer Council, the Heart Foundation or the Motor Accidents Authority.
a
List the education campaigns currently being run by the organisation you chose.
b
What is the aim of the education campaign?
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c
d
Is the campaign directed more specifically at a particular group in the community? If yes, suggest
a reason for this.
In what form is the campaign delivered to the public? Example: television advertisements, radio
broadcasts, newspaper, billboards, other.
A3.
Bk Ch7 S7.7 FA3
Example (NSW Cancer Council):
a
The NSW Cancer Council is involved in education campaigns related to several diseases, for
example skin cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer.
b
The aim of education campaigns related to each of these kinds of cancers is to increase public
awareness about the causes and symptoms of the diseases in an effort to encourage the public to
take preventative measures and to seek medical advice if they suspect any symptoms.
c
The skin cancer campaign is directed at the public at large because everyone can be affected by
the disease and can take steps to decrease the chance of the disease developing. The main target
for breast cancer is women and mainly women over 50 years of age because they are at a greater
risk than younger women. Prostate cancer is directed at men and again the chance of the disease
developing increases with age.
d
The breast cancer campaign is delivered via television and radio advertisements as well as posters
in the workplace. Recently ‘Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea’ was staged to raise awareness and
funding for research into breast cancer.
Q4.
Bk Ch7 S7.7 FQ4
Set up a class conference addressing the issue of genetically modified foodstuffs.

Decide upon the issues that need to be discussed at the conference.

Prepare a list of interest groups that would be represented.

Decide upon an interest group that you wish to represent.

Do some research on the topic of genetically modified foodstuffs.

Prepare arguments to represent your cause.
During the conference it will be important to set up the tables in your classroom in a large circle or
oblong so that all representatives are facing each other. Set up cards facing your colleagues so that your
interest group is clearly identifiable. You will need a facilitator (e.g. your teacher) to ensure fair time
for each speaker. Take notes so that you can ask questions and prepare replies.
At the end of the conference write a newspaper editorial discussing the issues raised at the
conference and outlining your point of view.
A4.
Bk Ch7 S7.7 FA4
The issues relating to the topic of genetically modified foodstuffs are most easily described in terms of
questions. For example:
•
Is it right to genetically modify living things?
•
Could there be adverse side effects from consuming genetically modified foods?
•
Is it possible that although there may be no apparent adverse effects in the short-term that some
may appear in the longer term?
•
How does genetically altering living organisms impact on biodiversity?
•
What are the costs of genetically modifying living organisms?
•
Who pays?
•
Do the benefits outweigh the costs?
•
Is the public aware of genetically modified foods that they are consuming, by reading labelling for
example?
•
Interest groups would include primary producers, politicians, consumers, food outlets such as
supermarkets, and medical associations.
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