Rabbits compete with stock for food, impact crops, horticulture and pastures, contribute to soil erosion and de-stabilise the structural integrity of the land, potentially leading to injury of livestock.
Rabbits are also linked to the decline of native animals and plant species, having a negative impact on at least 304 threatened species in Australia.
In 2017, selected land management groups in the Strathbogie Shire partnered with State and Regional groups to undertake a controlled release of RHD Boost.
RHDV1 K5 is a variant of Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV) or calicivirus that causes a fatal haemorrhagic disease in the European rabbit (oryctolagus cuniculus).
RHDV1 K5 is specific to the European rabbit, and once a rabbit shows symptoms, death is rapid.
There is no treatment or cure for rabbig haemorrhagic disease (RHD); however, a vaccine for domestic and production rabbits is available.
RHDV1 K5 will boost existing biological control agents that are already in the environment. RHDV1 K5 will not kill every last rabbit.
Land managers are encouraged to take advantage of the release of the virus and follow up with conventional control to remove remnant rabbits and destroy their warrens.
If you have a rabbit problem, there is help available. Contact your local Landcare representative to find out more atwww.geckoclan.com.au.
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