Biosecurity Tas secures new batch of calicivirus

Pic: Lynn Broos

THE wait for calicivirus to control high rabbit populations across the State is nearly over.

Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Jane Howlett, said a new batch of calicivirus to control rabbits is likely to be released by Biosecurity Tasmania in Autumn.

Calicivirus, or rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV), is a virus that typically causes a rapidly fatal disease in European rabbits.

“The Tasmanian Government recognises the impacts introduced pest species, like rabbits, have on the natural environment and the effect that the national shortage of calicivirus has had on Tasmania,” Minister Howlett said.

“Biosecurity Tasmania uses calicivirus to help manage wild rabbit populations, with calicivirus releases usually occurring during autumn when environmental conditions are favourable to ensure its effective use.

“The Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania has been able to secure a supply of calicivirus and Biosecurity Tasmania will now monitor conditions for a suitable time to release, however, it is unlikely that calicivirus releases can occur until autumn.”

Minister Howlett said that there are a variety of management options for landowners who are responsible for the control of rabbits on their land.

Biosecurity Tasmania staff are available to work directly with farmers and the wider community to support their control of increased rabbit populations and to provide advice on alternative rabbit control strategies until calicivirus releases can be made.

More information is available on the NRE Tas website: www.nre.tas.gov.au/rabbits

Landowners can also contact Biosecurity Tasmania on 03 6165 3777 or email invasivespecies@nre.tas.gov.au​.