Advice for Goulburn pet rabbit owners

In response to increased wild rabbit populations throughout the Goulburn area, the Tablelands Livestock Health and Pest Authority has decided to undertake limited releases of Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV) to curtail the growing population. 

The releases will occur in the Goulburn area in late March. As RHDV also affects domestic rabbits, owners of pet rabbits should consult with their vet and maintain a vaccination program to protect them.

Mark McGaw, Tablelands LHPA senior ranger, says the releases will target wild rabbits that are hard to control with traditional methods and there will only be a few releases carried out.

"RHDV can be utilised as a very effective control tool where there are susceptible populations of wild rabbits," said Mr McGaw.

"The virus is mainly spread by contact between rabbits, and by insects transporting the virus to other locations where rabbits are prevalent. Given that this summer has been extremely wet, insect vectors are plentiful which should enhance the spread of the virus.

"The only way to protect pet rabbits is to have them vaccinated, which owners should do as soon as possible to ensure the vaccine is fully effective.

"While there is no guarantee that the virus will work, previous releases have been effective in controlling populations."

In NSW wild rabbits are a declared pest animal responsible for major agricultural and environmental damage. It has been estimated that the overall economic impact of pest animals is $740 million annually.

For more information on the RHDV releases or advice on controlling rabbits contact your local LHPA ranger.

Media contact: Kylie Dunn 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378