The Wire

In May 2016 the Australian Government announced their plan to release a strain of the Herpes virus into the Murray River, targeting European Carp.

Carp are a pest species that have been taking over Australian waterways ever since their introduction by British settlers in the 19th century. The result of the virus would be to eradicate the carp, leaving behind an expensive clean up bill to remove the carcasses.

However, native endangered species such as turtles and crayfish could help to cut the cost.