Tasmanian calicivirus release sites

​​​October 2024 update

Biosecurity Tasmania has recently received a resupply of calicivirus (RHDV) as a biological control for rabbit populations in Tasmania.

However, as Spr​ing / Summer conditions are the ideal time for rabbits to breed, now is not the time to release RHDV. Current breeding patterns mean there are many young rabbits in the landscape that are less than 12 weeks old. Young rabbits under 12 weeks old are resistant to RHDV. If young rabbits are exposed to RHDV and survive an infection, the antibodies they produce from the infection can be passed on to future generations. Any acquired immunity lasts for the life of the rabbit.

To reduce the risk of increasing immunity levels to RHDV in rabbit populations, RHDV should only be released in drier months (usually autumn), when grass has dried off and consequently rabbits have stopped breeding.

Autumn has the added advantage of having many insects present which helps spread RHDV more than it would otherwise, making RHDV more effective for rabbit control at this time of the year.   

Trained Biosecurity Tasmania staff will continue to monitor conditions and as soon as they are favourable RHDV releases will occur. In the meantime, it is recommended landowners consider other methods of rabbit management such as shooting, habitat removal and warren destruction.

Please note: Biosecurity Tasmania does not currently keep a list of prospective sites for releasing RHDV as there are naturally circulating viruses in Tasmania that will impact rabbit populations at any time. 

If you notice rabbits dying suddenly, you can support the spread of biological control agents by leaving infected rabbit carcasses where they died and report the details to Biosecurity Tasmania as soon as possible on (03) 6165 3777 or invasivespecies@nre.tas.gov.au

​More information on rabbit control