Comments on the possum problem

Kids from Intermediate schools in Wellington decide why genetically modified worms might be a good solution to possum problem.

Transcript

Barbara Ryan: Would anyone like to make a comment about the worm invading the possum?

Student: It sounds pretty funny.

Barbara Ryan: It does sound funny.

Student: It would be funny to get the wee out of the possum.

Student: Do they like feed the worm back to the possum?

Barbara Ryan: The worms just go into the possum through their skin. If they release them, those worms will just keep breeding and the eggs will come out of the possum and they will hook onto other possums. They will just keep going. And when the worms have babies, they’re the same [as their parents], they become genetically modified as well. Scientists don't have to keep doing that. Once it’s done, it’s done.

Why is this way better, do you think?

Student: Because it doesn't break their necks and they don't get hurt.

Student: It stops the possum from breeding.