Physical and Biological ControlsRabbits are estimated to cause over $200 million dollars in damage to Australian agriculture every year, and they are recognised as a potential threat to at least 304 native threatened species.
In the 1950's the release of the myxoma virus (myxomatosis) removed over 95% of the rabbit population. Over the years rabbits have become immune to the myxoma virus, and by the early 1990's the rabbit population had built back up again. In 1995, the RHDV virus (calicivirus) was introduced. This reduced the population considerably however rabbits are now becoming immune to that virus too. In 2017, another virus, RHDV1 K5, was introduced to the rabbit population. Used with conventional control, burrow ripping and burrow fumigation, this virus is expected to maintain rabbit levels at a relatively low level. The following videos released by PestSmart lead you through the various methods of rabbit control:
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Monitoring
RabbitScan is an app which can be downloaded (free from PestSmart website) where records and submissions of data can be made. The following video explains using Rabbitscan:
For more information about the release of RHDV1 K5 refer www.healthierlandscapes.org.au Further information is also available from the Invasive Species Council: https://invasives.org.au/ |
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