Encouraging early signs from calicivirus rollout

Landowners have begun to report a reduction in rabbit numbers following the release of calicivirus in 38 towns and suburbs in recents weeks.

There has been an excellent take up of 165kg of baited carrots used in the process, according to inspectors, leading to favourable success in the early stages of containing the wild rabbit population.

Biosecurity Tasmania will continue to undertake the calicivirus release program while the conditions allow.

Once the first flush of green grass from significant rainfall triggers rabbit breeding, there will be a window of 28 days before the calicivirus release program has to pause.

Primary Industries minister Jane Howlett said that there are also lower levels of insect activity this autumn, which would otherwise help contribute to the spread of the virus.

“This year there have been no reports of RHDV2 – a wild strain of calicivirus which is more virulent - causing rabbit deaths, which is unusual. It is therefore even more important to plan pest management action,” she said.

“I cannot stress enough that contemporary research shows an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach is by far the most effective and cost-efficient method of containing wild rabbit populations.

“This means government and landowners working together to employ more than one control technique in rapid succession in late summer and early autumn when breeding has generally stopped because the grass has dried off.

“Warren ripping, fencing, baiting, shooting and removing things like log heaps and blackberry bushes which provide shelter and protection for wild rabbits are the most beneficial complementary methods.”

Any farmers wanting to discuss rabbit management options for their property can contact Biosecurity Tasmania at biosecurity.tasmania@nre.tas.gov.au or phone 6165 3777.