A family of feral bunnies can eat $1 million worth of lettuce in a year, and that is why producers in the Lockyer Valley are supporting the Darling Downs Moreton Rabbit Board in a control program. For more information see the Rural Weekly interview with Dr David Berman.
Plans have been announced for New Zealand to be predator free by 2050. The initial targets will be rats, possums and stoats. The news has been widely welcomed, although some have cautioned about the need for integrated programs to avoid unintended ecological changes. For more information, see Rabbit Free New Zealand.
The Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre has released an app to record sightings of diseased rabbits and to request a tissue sampling kit so the exact cause of the disease may be identified. The information generated through the app will help landholders and researchers understand where different rabbit diseases are occurring. To learn more about […]
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.
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.
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.
The ABC Landline program has provided a thorough update on the pending release of the RHDVK5 virus. To see the story and transcript visit the Landline website.
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.
Rabbit detection dogs, baiting, fumigation and controlled releases of Calicivirus have all helped to protect mala (rufous hare-wallaby) from competition by rabbits. See the full article from Parks Australia (2015).
Western Quolls are benefitting from, and contributing to, ‘rewilding’ programs with controls for cats, foxes and rabbits. See the full blog from Rewilding Australia (2015)