Rabbits
Rabbits remain the most costly agricultural and environmental pest in Australia. AWI is investing in projects to gain an understanding of the current status of RHD and the impact of rabbits on biodiveristy and lost productivity.
From the initial control methods of the 1950s through to the introduction of RHD in the mid-nineties, the control of rabbits has been a significant, industry-wide issue.
Rabbits remain the most costly agricultural and environmental pest in Australia.
Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD) or Calici Virus, released in 1995 has provided significant economic and environmental gains through lower rabbit numbers and reduced grazing pressure in many areas. However, in areas where RHD has had little impact, rabbits still reduce wool and meat production.
Observations by landholders in some regions have reported increased rabbit populations although state agencies report no clear trends, up or down, in rabbit numbers. This might indicate rabbits have not yet developed resistance to RHD. However there has been no attempt to determine if resistance to RHD is developing.
The AWI supported rabbits program, covering 4 projects will undertake work to:
- understand the effectiveness of RHD in reducing rabbit population since its release. This will assist in providing recommendations for enhancing or prolonging RHD’s usefulness.
- determine whether genetic resistance to RHD is emerging in the rabbit population.
- estimate the economic impact of rabbits at their current population levels.
- estimate the impact of rabbits on plant diversity in the pastoral and higher rainfall zones.
This work will guide future rabbit research and development towards advancing sustainable options for control and management of rabbits.
See information about foxes and feral dogs.
Resources
Contact
Brian Cooke
Program Manager
University of Canberra
Tel: +61 2 6201 2032
Contact via email