The myxoma virus found in Australia has evolved to better suppress the immune system of rabbits, according to a team of Australian and American researchers. Rabbits with a weakened immune system will also be more vulnerable to other diseases. The team, led by Peter Kerr from the University of Sydney and CSIRO, concluded the myxoma […]
Plans are afoot to investigate the potential to add two parasites to the armoury in the battle against wild rabbits. Eimeria intestinalis and Eimeria flavescens are infectious rabbit parasites that have been detected in south west WA, but not anywhere else on mainland Australia. If verified this may be due to a unique rabbit introduction […]
RFA has funded a novel project to help track the spread of rabbit viruses across Australia. It is now accepted that flies are a vector for the transmission of RHDV, thanks in part to former research by Amy Ianella which was also supported by RFA. Research has also shown that flies could be used as […]
The spread of the Calici virus (RHDV) has been cited as a contributor to the recovery of the native Plains Mouse (pseudomys australis). Katherine Tuft, Manager of Arid Recovery (a conservation reserve in outback SA), has reported high numbers of the native mice. “We think that a combination of good rainy years and the knockdown […]
The release of RHDV1-K5 across Australia has been hailed an early success, with wild rabbit deaths due to the virus now confirmed in all mainland States. Researchers are now waiting to see how effectively the virus is spread by natural vectors like flies, and if the immediate success will translate into dramatic drops in rabbit numbers, before calling the release ‘truly […]
Feral rabbits are beginning to die from RHDV1-K5 in Victoria, following the release of the virus at trial sites. Rabbits with the K5 calici strain have been detected near release sites at Tanybryn and Kaniva. For more information see the ABC News Report.
Rabbit Free Australia is a proud sponsor of a unique book about rabbits, and rabbit research, in Australia. ‘Those Wild Rabbits – How They Shaped Australia’, authored by writer and conservationist Bruce Munday, tells the tale of the European wild rabbit in Australia through the eyes of those associated with it. The book highlights the damage […]
CSIRO have confirmed the first death of a wild rabbit due to the K5 strain of RHDV1. For more information, see the ABC News story.
With so much happening at present regarding rabbit control, RFA has issued a timely reminder of the importance of strong, ongoing scientific effort. See the Foundation’s media statement for more information.
PIRSA, NRM and Landcare groups across South Australia are part of a national release of the RHDV1-K5 virus and there are high hopes it will be effective in high rainfall country. Researchers will monitor rabbit populations at trial release sites, and landholders are urged to take advantage of any drop in rabbit numbers with ground […]