Evolutionary changes have been identified within myxoma strains in Australia. The research, supported by Foundation for Rabbit-Free Australia, could have practical outcomes for future biocontrols. RHDV2 is the dominant rabbit biocontrol in Australia but myxomatosis still persists with sporadic outbreaks, often having significant effect. However, little is known about the evolution of the virus, especially […]
Laboratory analysis is currently required to determine if rabbits have had RHDV or other lagoviruses (diseases of rabbits and hares). A Rapid Antigen Test suitable for field application would be a valuable tool to track viruses and to help land managers make timely, informed decisions about the application of biocides like RHDV-K5. Funding from Foundation […]
Could gene drive technology target the abundant fertility of wild rabbits in Australia, stopping them breeding and being an effective, humane rabbit biocontrol? The 2025 CISS/Rabbit-Free Australia Rabbit R&D Webinar explored that question, covering everything from the fundamentals of the science, research to develop gene drives for rabbits, dispersal and risk management, and the ongoing […]
The 2025 Rabbit R&D Webinar, hosted by the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions and Foundation for Rabbit-Free Australia, will focus on gene-drive technology. It will bring researchers and practitioners together to help people understand this rapidly developing technology and enable informed discussions within communities about its potential for rabbit control and the issues involved. The […]
How do you get best value from a release of RHDV-K5? The answer, and the science behind it, is in ‘Optimal benefit from RHDV-K5’ the latest publication by Foundation for Rabbit-Free Australia. Technical experts and end-users from around Australia have collaborated to produce the document, in response to questions from regional rabbit managers. View the […]
A burst in rabbit numbers in many parts of Australia has been accompanied by reports of a surge in calicivirus (RHDV) and myxomatosis. Researchers monitoring both diseases are urging anyone finding a dead rabbit to provide a tissue sample to help monitor how the viruses are evolving in different regions of Australia. For more information […]
For the latest information on rabbit control research and best practice rabbit control, register for the 2024 Rabbit R&D Webinar. The Webinar will also cover research showing how rabbits are still harming the environment. Co-hosted by Rabbit-Free Australia and the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions (CISS) the free two hour Webinar will bring together leading […]
Effective rabbit control requires the planned integration of different control techniques, but a recent paper in the Journal of Pest Science by Taggart et al concluded that ‘Land managers view RHDV as a ‘silver bullet’ and release it to avoid applying more expensive but more effective control methods’. This conclusion was reached after the authors […]
A recent analysis shows that wild rabbits in Australia developed resistance to myxomavirus in a stepped manner, with the second step likely triggered by the introduction of European rabbit fleas. It poses the question of whether further changes in resistance occurred following the advent of RHDV and RHDV2, but no such studies have been undertaken […]
The continuing ecological recovery of Macquarie Island demonstrates the effectiveness of starting at the bottom of the food web to generate landscape health. An initial focus on feral cats triggered a boom in rabbit and rat populations. Eliminating rabbits, rats and mice paved the way for predator removal and triggered a revival in vegetative habitat […]