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 importance of traditional rabbit control techniques.
Presentations were provided by:
- Prof Paul Thomas: Gene drive technology Here
- Dr Tanja Strive & Dr Sarah Topfer: Gene drives for rabbit control Here
- Dr Kevin Oh & Dr Heng Lin Yeap: Gene drives in the wild Here
- Dr Tanja Strive & Dr Aditi Mankad: Risk management Here
- Nigel Roberts: Best Practice rabbit control Here
- Heidi Kleinert: Meet the Invader Here
- Craig Magnussen: The way forward Here
Videos of Rabbit R&D Webinar 2025 presentations are available via the CISS YouTube channel, here
Key messages were:
- A gene drive for rabbit control will require time, money, and a social licence.
- It carries risks, but the technology is feasible and manageable.
- It is promising, but it is challenging and not a ‘silver bullet’.
- ‘Traditional’ rabbit management and ongoing research remain crucial.
Additional information:
- Gene Drives explained (animation): S Frankenberg Here
- Managing feral animal populations (animation): CSIRO Here.
- National Gene Drive Policy Guide Here.
- Rabbit control in Victoria (videos): Ag Vic Here
- Subscribe to a new rabbit newsletter: National Coordinator Here
- PestSmart – Rabbit resources (CISS) Here
- Rabbit Control (Rabbit-Free Australia) Here
Rabbits cause social, economic and environmental harm.
Images: F Solly, Darling Downs-Moreton Rabbit Board, R Sinclair.