The use of poisoned oats to control wild rabbits has decreased in South Australia, following the introduction of RHDV. After RHDV spread through SA in the late 1990s rabbit numbers were reduced so much that the average demand for poison decreased by about 60-70%, and a similar picture has emerged following the arrival of RHDV2. […]
Wild rabbits exposed to Myxomatosis are more susceptible to RHDV (Calici virus), compared to rabbits without prior exposure. That is the conclusion of researchers looking at eighteen years of data from a continuously monitored site at Turretfield, South Australia. Dr Louise Barnett from Flinders University presented the findings at a recent annual general meeting of […]
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 […]
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.
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.
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 […]
Notes about the history of rabbits and biocontrols in Australia have been uploaded to the PestSmart website. For more information see the Key Facts.
A strain of calici virus (RHDV2) first found in eastern Australia in 2015 has now been detected in Western Australia. For more information see the WA DAF media release.
Hugh McGregor is planning to study how cats and foxes respond to the arrival of RHDV2 at the Arid recovery research site at Roxby Downs, in terms of their numbers and diet. For more information see the Arid Recovery News.