The City of Greater Geraldton Council will relaunch its Integrated Rabbit Control Program next week in areas with the highest rabbit populations.
The two month long program will be rolled out in stages. The first stage will be the release of the RHDV1 K5 calicivirus over a two to four week period in Glenfield, Moresby, Waggrakine and parts of Strathalbyn.
Stage two will be conducted on City managed lands with high conservation value and include rabbit baiting and warren fumigation and destruction.
City of Greater Geraldton Chief Executive Officer, Ross McKim said controlling feral rabbits was essential to revegetating and preserving natural areas for future generations.
“Feral rabbits are costly issues for landholders and control of their population is essential to reducing their grazing impact on our native vegetation,” he said.
“Similar staged programs from across the state typically see a significant reduction in the rabbit populations but this can depend on various factors including the local environment, insect vectors, and the resistance of the rabbits to the existing calicivirus.
“It’s been nearly eight years since the last time the rabbit biocontrol agent was released in the Geraldton area, and we are hoping it will help get rampant rabbit numbers under control.”
Both stages will be completed by the City’s integrated pest control contractor who will provide feedback to the City on the efficacy of the control measures.
Although the virus only affects rabbits, pet owners should contact a veterinarian for advice on how to protect their domesticated rabbits. Further information is available from the Australian Veterinary Association www.ava.com.au/rabbit-calicivirus.
Landholders and other community members can report sightings of rabbits or evidence of disease through the Rabbit Scan online portal www.rabbitscan.org.au
Deceased rabbits on private property may be disposed of in residential rubbish bins for regular weekly collection. Should a significant number of dead rabbits be observed on public land, please contact the City on 9956 6600 for appropriate disposal.
For more information on the Integrated Rabbit Control Program here.
