RFA supports the Koonamore Appeal

Rabbit Free Australia is pleased to support the Koonamore Appeal, to maintain rabbit-proof fencing on the iconic Koonamore ecological monitoring site. The ongoing success of the oldest continuously monitored scientific site in the world rests on having stock and rabbit-proof fencing. For more information see the University of Adelaide’s Koonamore Appeal website.

RHDV2 found in WA

A strain of calici virus (RHDV2) first found in eastern Australia in 2015 has now been detected in Western Australia. For more information see the WA DAF media release.

Prey-switching research planned at Roxby

Hugh McGregor is planning to study how cats and foxes respond to the arrival of RHDV2 at the Arid recovery research site at Roxby Downs, in terms of their numbers and diet. For more information see the Arid Recovery News.

Rabbit skin coat – life in the 1940s

A ladies rabbit fur coat, worn in the 1940s, reveals a charming story. A post by Jon Lineen of the National Museum tells the story of a beautiful coat and of rural life in the 1940s.

Help rabbit control by reporting local activity

In preparation for the release of RHDV1 K5, landholders and the community are being asked to help develop baseline information about rabbit numbers and to provide any evidence of disease-affected rabbits in their area. people can get involved in two ways: Record rabbit activity in your local area in August or September in RabbitScan, preferably after completing a […]

Qld rabbit fanciers risk fines

Gold Coast owners of an escaped flemish giant rabbit face heavy penalties – keeping rabbits is prohibited in Queensland. For the full story see the Gold Coast Bulletin article.

Great booklet about new bio-control RHDV1 K5

A great booklet full of information about the selection of RHDV1 K5 as a new biological control for rabbits in Australia has been produced by the Invasive Animals CRC. The booklet also sets out how landholders can involved in the release of the virus, and gives some history of rabbits and former control measures in Australia.

RHDV2 and RHDV1 – April 2016 update

RHDV1 has been used as a bio-agent for rabbit control in Australia since 1996. A new virus, RHDV2, has now been found in NSW, Victoria and SA. For more information see the Update from the Invasive Animals CRC.

Approval for eventual release of RHDV K5

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has approved the registration of a new RHDV K5 strain of rabbit calicivirus that will strengthen Australia’s ability to manage wild rabbits. Read more at the Minister’s Media Release. Landholders can register to be part of the national release. See PestSmart for more information.