DO YOU HAVE A RABBIT PROBLEM AT YOUR PROPERTY?
European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) are declared pests of agriculture in Western Australia under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007. As such, landholders are required to control rabbits on their properties. Even landholders not actively using their property are still legally obliged to control rabbits to protect their neighbours’ land from the impact of rabbits.
The key to success for effective rabbit control is persistence. “One-off” efforts produce only short-term results as rabbit populations can recover quickly even after successful control programs. Rabbits reproduce rapidly, and while complete elimination of rabbits is rarely achievable, coordinated action can deliver significant and sustained reductions in rabbit numbers.
Calicivirus RHDV1-K5 Summer Release Program – Summer 2025-2026
Each summer, LBG coordinates targeted Calicivirus RHDV1-K5 (“K5”) releases with participating landholders across our operational area as part of an integrated, long-term approach to rabbit control. The “K5” virus releases don’t eliminate all rabbits, but they do typically provide for a significant reduction in rabbit population, better enabling landholders to implement other rabbit control strategies around their property. Community-wide participation helps maximise the impact of the virus and supports follow-up control efforts on individual properties. CLICK HERE for more information about this program.
Register is Required – If you’re planning to participate in this program, we encourage you to register early to assist with planning and allocation of our limited virus supply. * New this year, participation in this program will require a ticket obtained through registration. This enables us to better manage and monitor allocation of our limited virus supply across our Operational Area.
Working together at a landscape scale, across communities, gives this program its greatest strength. The more properties involved, the more effective the overall outcome will be.
Click Here to Register for LBG Calicivirus RHDV1 K5 Release Program
RABBIT CONTROL STRATEGY CONSIDERATIONS
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Persistence is key to effective rabbit control.
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Rabbits reproduce rapidly; while complete eradication is rarely achievable, coordinated programs can deliver significant and sustained reductions in numbers.
- One-off control efforts rarely deliver lasting results, as rabbit populations can recover quickly even after successful control.
- The most effective outcomes are achieved through an integrated, property-specific approach, combining appropriate control methods
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Late summer provides optimal conditions for control, when rabbit numbers are naturally declining and feed availability is limited.
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Programs supported through the Declared Pest Rate (DPR) enable coordination of area wide actions across a wider landscape.
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Collaboration for community-wide control strategies strengthens outcomes by reducing reinfestation risk and maximising the effectiveness of tools such as Calicivirus releases and follow-up control on individual properties.
INTEGRATION OF MULTIPLE CONTROL METHODS ACHIEVES GREATER RESULTS
The Leschenault Biosecurity Group can assist landholders with development of an integrated management approach to rabbit control using variety of control methods and tools.
The most effective outcomes are achieved through an integrated, property-specific approach, combining appropriate control methods and well-timed actions. Property-specific strategies may include targeted Calicivirus RHDV1-K5 releases, strategic exclusion fencing and tree protection, warren ripping and other harbourage reduction, such as cleaning rubble and wood piles that may be used as refuge and more.
The Leschenault Biosecurity Group can assist landholders with:
• Control advice specific to your property
• Calicivirus RHDV1 K5 releases during our annual summer program
• Loan of surveillance cameras, traps and smokers for investigations of warrens and burrows
Contact us to discuss rabbit control strategies that are best for YOU & YOUR property, including:
• Biological Control _ Calicivirus RHDV1 K5 Release Program (conducted during summer months)
• Harbourage reduction
• Exclusion fencing
• Warren ripping
• Baiting* and trapping
• Other as may be applicable to your property
CONTACT US by e-mail: info@lbginc.org.au or phone: 0477 049 967
* Before commencing any baiting program, be aware of risks to native and other off-target species and strictly adhere to guidance specific to each product. For information on bait, poison and toxin (bait) products available for use in WA relevant to rabbits, please visit the following link: DPIRD_Rabbit control