TasFarmers calls for suppressors in rabbit fight
Tasmania's peak body for primary producers, Tasfarmers has called for reforms for the use of suppressors as a rabbit control tool.
"On behalf of members, Tasfarmers has been a strong advocate for managing rabbit populations and farmers having access to the proper tools. Without tools like suppressors, the ability to manage biosecurity risk on farms is incredibly limited", TasFarmers CEO Nathan Calman said.
Producers must have other options when the calicivirus can't be released, he said.
"We strongly support the news that the state government will be releasing calicivirus as a tool to manage the populations within the state," Mr Calman said.
"And whilst we understand the timing for release needs managing, this really can't have come soon enough for primary producers.
"It will have a significant impact on the rabbit population while there is low alternate feed, we'd expect this to lead to a higher update and spread of the virus, but is only one tool in the toolbox that producers have to manage rabbit populations."
Mr Calman said that TasFarmers will continue to call for reforms for the use of suppressors to be made available for primary producers for property protection purposes.
"We've been able to raise the current issue with decision-makers and we remain firmly of the view that invasive species, be they rabbit, deer or even European wasp have a negative impact on primary producers and the state's environment.
"Governments of all colours need to support producers in protecting their properties," Mr Calman concluded.
EARLIER - SATURDAY: The much anticipated roll-out of calicivirus to fight rabbits has begun.
Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Jane Howlett, said pest management experts have advised the conditions are now right for its release.
“Control of rabbits has been a challenge across many parts of the State over the past two years, particularly because of the unavailability of calicivirus nationally,” Minister Howlett said.
“The Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas) has been working alongside local communities to help control an increase in rabbit numbers.
“Yesterday, trained Biosecurity Tasmania staff began the rolled out release of the biological control Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus – also known as calicivirus.
“It will be released around Exton, Westbury, Brighton, Pontville, Mangalore, Bagdad, Mole Creek and Deloraine.”
Calicivirus is a heamorrhagic disease that affects only rabbits and hares. It is transmitted by flies and by direct contact between rabbits.
“It has been important to wait for the right conditions to maximise the success of the release of the calicivirus”, the Minister said.
“Releasing calicivirus at the wrong time can infect rabbits less than 12 weeks old which are naturally immune, and risks boosting immunity within rabbit populations longer-term.
“Calicivirus is just one means of control of rabbits, and NRE Tas is also providing the opportunity for more pest control businesses statewide to safely access and use Pindone, an anticoagulant product.
“Successful rabbit control depends on a large degree of cooperation between landowners, local and state governments, and we appreciate the community cooperation.
“NRE Tas is working with local Councils and pest controllers to ensure they can access the tools available and are providing further communication and information to communities.”
For more information about the use of rabbit control methods go to nre.tas.gov.au/rabbits.
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Comments
Rabbit control
What about Carrick we have that many of the bloody rabbits my Snags can’t keep the numbers down they are every where
Rabbits
Yep everywhere at Wynyard lennah drive Ares and I means heaps of them
rabbits
we watch them of a night playing chicken with the cars going round the roundabout.
Rabbit control
We are in the south of Tasmania and the rabbits are out of control, they even graze out in the open during the day right near our house, and are not afraid of us being around.
Sassafras
What about Sassafras digging holes every where in lawns and garden
Immo for pet rabbits
Does that mean my vet will have the vax for my pet rabbit available now? Since being here I have not been able to keep these up. I support feral pest control but not at the expense of beloved family members. Before you mock think about if this was a deadly risk to your Fido or feline companion.
Rabbits
What about Granton? This area is thriving with them.
Rabbits pests
Trying to grow veges to help the budget
Rabbit control
Any plans to control the rabbit population in Fern Tree / Neika area.
They are thriving here, and hungry enough that they are in the back yard day and night, and not at all scared of humans!
Rabbits control
Bagdad . We Can not wait (after 3 years) for these pests to be gone!@ Killed our veggie garden, holes in the lawns, damn pests. BRING IT ON.
Rabbit plague in northeast ie Lebrina help please
Rabbit plague in north east please help Lebrina has been taken over could we please have virus release d here
Rabbits
I fail to see why the government/councils cannot hire licensed shooter to cull the rabbits. It is a quick instananeous death and the meat could either be sold for human consumption, or given how fussy some people are donated to the RSPCA ! I have an acre of land and the other morning counted 75 rabbits and they were only the ones I could see.
I agree
Why can't licensed shooters be hired, and rabbits be sold, I am disgusted how a virus can be released, when rabbits can be sold for human consumption
Sheffield
Plague proportion in Sheffield, 100 counted on one lawn just one property
Rabbits at Westbury
Was told only 12 sites done. Was suppose to do my place. Didn’t do but said put a few carrots down driveway. Didn’t even knock on my door to see. Big deal. I think need more than 12 sites to release the virus. Your comments appreciated.
Rabits
If the so called “do gooders” continued to allow the use of rabbit traps they would have controlled as in the 70s and 80s.
I used to love catching 3or4 for eating. It was thought that the traps would hurt the animals and certainly it often broke legs. The calicivirus is just as bad as myxomotosis and is just bloody cruel but it is considered to be ok. Traps were emptied daily while the diseases starve the animals to death.
Let the traps be legalised again and allow people to get a feed.
Rabbits and Hares
Releasing calicivirus a method use to control Rabbits and Hares in Tasmania, is a very cruel and painful way to allow these animals to die, I do not understand how any one can be happy to cause pain and suffering. If you need to cull maybe consider and less painful and cruel way..
Rabbit control
Would be great to see some control on the east coast . The are eating more than the horses
mixo
what about mixo. did that get released as well cause i found a poor bunny with it and had to put it down. Trying to eat but couldn't see. Kept running into things. I have never had mixo here before. I've lived her a long time. It's at Stoodley and it's at Lower Barrington.
Rabbits
Why only this area? Shouldn't it be released state wide at the same time? Or is there not enough virus to do the whole state? Of so this small area being treated will do nothing for the exploding population of rabbits across our state.
Disgusting. This virus kills…
Disgusting. This virus kills cats too. If the government is deliberately rolling out this virus then they need to fund Just Cats' vet bills and costs regarding the virus.
This is animal cruelty!!! I understand the need to cull rabbits but you're killing so much more than just rabbits!!!!!
Pet rabbits
This is a pathetic excuse of a way to solve the problem with the number of wild rabbits.
I have 2 pet rabbits, they should not be at risk of getting this disease which is not controlled just to affect wild rabbits!!!!
It's 2025, find a solution that is less Barbaric and humane!!!
Humans who commit hideous crimes don't even get this treatment!!!!
Rabbits
They are so thick, and breeding fast, at the back of Riverside in Stephensdale area.
Can easily count up to a dozen walking down the driveway to collect the morning paper. Vege garden and young plants don't stand a chance with holes and scrapes appearing all over!!