LHPA working with small landholders to reduce wild rabbit populations
The South East Livestock Health and Pest Authority is working with small landholders in semi-urban areas east of the Australian Capital Territory and Queanbeyan to reduce wild rabbit populations.
Phil McGrath, South East LHPA ranger based in Braidwood, says he is currently working on two projects with small landholders in the Royalla and Carwoola areas.
"The South East LHPA was approached by the Royalla Landcare Group in April to assist with a wild rabbit control project for residents in the Royalla district," said Mr McGrath.
"Two workshops were held with approximately 67 landholders in attendance – the workshops were aimed at training participants on how to safely bait using calicivirus and carrots.
"Calicivirus was chosen as the control agent due to its target specificity, as the risk of unintentional baiting of native animals was a concern for the residents.
"Initially carrots without calicivirus were provided for the free-feeding part of the program and following that infected carrots were distributed to 55 property owners across the district.
"Early reports suggest this project has been a success with many landholders indicating that rabbit numbers have been reduced."
Mr McGrath said another wild rabbit control project is underway within the Carwoola district.
"We recently held another workshop for Carwoola residents, who will now be undertaking baiting throughout the district," he said.
"As calicivirus also affects domestic rabbits, owners of pet rabbits should consult with their vet and maintain a vaccination program to protect them."
Mr McGrath added that while biological controls such as calicivirus are useful aids to rabbit control, they should be capitalised upon by cleaning up residual populations and destroying rabbit harbour.
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 in Australia is $740 million annually.
For more information on controlling rabbits contact your local South East LHPA ranger or office.
Media contact: Kylie Dunn 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378