Be clear on what problems rabbits cause, have confidence rabbit control will alleviate the problem, and follow best practice using humane methods, are keys to an ethical, humane rabbit control program as outlined in a Toolkit produced by Foundation for Rabbit-Free Australia. The Toolkit was developed following a series of online workshops and follow-up work […]
Could rabbits become part of the bird flu story in Australia? A Blog by Dr Brian Cooke (available here) provides information gleaned internationally and discusses ways in which rabbits could be involved. Risk is a factor of likelihood of occurrence and the severity of any impact should it occur. The Blog helps identify possible hazards […]
Rabbits are environmental disruptors in Australia and a threat to the survival of 41 native vertebrate species, including glossy black-cockatoos. In science week we acknowledge the researchers helping understand and manage such relationships.
Shooting can be a valuable part of a rabbit control program, whether it be for hunting remnant rabbits or in situations were other controls are difficult to apply. Modern technologies, in the hands of experienced and qualified professionals, provide clear target identification and high levels of accuracy. In skilled hands, the technology can make shooting […]
The 2026 Rabbit R&D Webinar had a theme of ‘new tech for traditional control’, covering topics of: Monitoring and recording rabbits and warrens Optimising RHDV-K5 Policy innovation – building resilience by rabbit control during drought Camera traps for confident rabbit control Modelling rabbit distribution – mapping threats to biodiversity Printed presentations (PDFs) and recordings (videos) […]
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 […]
Over thirty five years worth of tissue and blood samples from Australia’s longest running rabbit monitoring site at Turretfield Research Centre (SA) were at risk of being lost until Rabbit-Free Australia and a team of researchers stepped in to secure their future. Those samples, and others from sites around Australia and remote islands, were catalogued, […]
Registration is now open for the 2026 Rabbit R&D Webinar, available here. This year the theme is ‘Rabbit management: New technologies for best practice rabbit control’. The aim of the free 2 hour Webinar is to bring together researchers and rabbit managers with new information for the effective, humane control of wild rabbits. It will include the […]
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 […]
Rabbit-Free Australia has been advocating nationally for strategic rabbit control, especially warren ripping, to be a standard component of drought relief and regional resilience programs. It is pleasing to see that rabbit control is available to landholders as part of a $760,000 investment through the SA government’s Drought Response program. See here for more information. […]