The European Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is a native of south-western Europe and was introduced to Australia with the First Fleet in 1788. It was the fastest spread of a colonising mammal anywhere in the world, soon followed by the European Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) using the rabbit as a reliable and abundant source of food.
In Western Australia, rabbits are declared pests under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management (BAM) Act 2007 requiring landholders to control rabbits on their properties.
Rabbits have a significant impact on the environment by grazing native plants, particularly threatened plants and communities, and competing with native animals for food and habitat.
Federal, state and local governments are working to control wild rabbit populations through the release of Rabbit Calicivirus Disease (RCD), a biological control agent. The virus is spread from rabbits through mosquitos and other vectors such as fleas and flies. The virus is specific to the European rabbit and will not affect any other animals.
The City of Kalamunda will complement the Nation-wide RCD control initiative by the release of the current strain of RCD (RHDV1 K5) in mid-December 2018. RCD is a biological control agent of the European rabbit in Australia and is spread from rabbits through mosquitos and other vectors such as fleas and flies. The virus is specific to the European rabbit and will not affect any other animals.
Other government agencies outside of the City of Kalamunda may undertake rabbit control programs, including the release of RCD, at their own discretion. Given the virus is spread through mosquitos and other vectors such as fleas and flies, the risk of a rabbit contracting the virus could exist at any given time.
To assist with monitoring of the program, the community is encouraged to report deceased rabbits or any other rabbit activity using RabbitScan or via the PestSmart website and app.
Effective rabbit control is achieved by using a combination of control measures and persistence.
When controlling rabbits, it is important to ensure native wildlife are not harmed and native vegetation, culturally significant areas and/or waterways are protected. If the control involves the use of chemicals, all applicable requirements of the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Regulations 2006 must be met.
Control methods may include:
If you’re a private landholder interested in releasing RHDV1-K5, you can purchase the virus after completing a short online course. The ideal time for virus release is late Spring to early Summer or Autumn, when insect vectors are abundant, and young rabbits are few. To access the virus, complete the online training here using the enrolment key: rhdv. Full information and requirements are available on the DPIRD website: Rabbit biocontrol: RHDV1 K5 national release.
If you are the owner of a domestic rabbit, you are urged to ensure their vaccinations are up to date to protect them from contracting the virus. New recommendations suggest that pet owners should ensure their rabbit is immunised every six months. If you are unsure of your rabbit’s vaccination history or would like more information about the vaccination, please contact your vet.
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