The Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas) is working with local communities to help control an increase in rabbit numbers across the state.
Rabbit control is a shared responsibility between government and landowners. Contemporary research that suggests an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach is the most effective and cost-efficient method of containing wild rabbit populations.
In the case of rabbits, an Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPM) requires the use of more than one control technique in rapid succession. The best time to do this is in late summer and early autumn when breeding has generally stopped because the grass, they feed on has dried off.
The following control options may offer the most benefits:
Biosecurity Tasmania also contributes to rabbit control through biological control and the release of Calicivirus (RHDV). RHDV is normally released during autumn when conditions are suitable for a successful release. Releasing RHDV at the wrong time risks infecting rabbits less than 12 weeks old, which are naturally immune, and in doing so increases immunity within rabbit populations in the longer term.
RHDV1 is a natural virus strain that only affects rabbits and is one of the most humane and effective methods of controlling wild rabbit populations to protect our native wildlife, infrastructure, and agricultural production.
There are different strains of calicivirus that have the potential to impact domestic rabbits, RHDV1 and RHDV2.Owners of pet rabbits are advised to discuss the vaccination of their rabbits against both strains of RHDV with their veterinarian.
Last autumn, Australia experienced a shortage of supply of RHDV which prevented the usual release for population control, which has seen an increase in rabbit populations this year.
Biosecurity Tasmania has recently received a resupply of RHDV1 and monitors the states conditions carefully to identify opportunities to release the virus which will yield the best results.
Landowners can obtain information about rabbit control techniques and developing a rabbit control program on the European Rabbits page.
To discuss rabbit management options for your property you can contact Biosecurity Tasmania at biosecurity.tasmania@nre.tas.gov.au or on 6165 3777.