Registration is now open for our summer 2024-2025 Rabbit Control Calicivirus RHDV1-K5 Release Program.
Click here to Register for LBG Calicivirus RHDV1-K5 Release Program 2024-2025
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.
Calicivirus RHDV1-K5 Summer Release Program
Annually the Leschenault Biosecurity Group (LBG) conducts a Calicivirus RHDV1-K5 (K5) Release Program with participating landholders across our operational area over the summer season. The more people that participate, the more effective the program is. We encourage participation in this program each year, which typically runs from January through March or early April with targeted releases in collaboration with participating landholders across our operational area. The “K5” virus releases don’t eliminate all rabbits, but they do typically provide for a significant reduction in rabbit population, hopefully better enabling landholders the ability to implement other rabbit control strategies around their property. 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 very effectively; complete elimination of rabbits is close to impossible.
Find out more about this program at: LBG’s Calicivirus “K5” Release Program Summer 2024-2025
Calicivirus RHDV1-K5 Release Program Participant Workshops
Join us in a free workshop to gain an overview of Leschenault Biosecurity Group’s Calicivirus RHDV1-K5 Release program and tailored guidance to maximise the effectiveness of your participation in this program.
- 5:30-6:30pm, Monday, 6 January 2025, Donnybrook Memorial Hall, 1 Bentley St, Donnybrook WA
- Additional workshop locations and dates will be announced.
We can assist landholders with development of an integrated management approach to rabbit control using variety of control methods and tools. Contact us to discuss what is best for you and your property.
RABBIT CONTROL STRATEGY CONSIDERATIONS
• The key to success is persistence. “One-off” efforts produce only short-term results as rabbit populations can recover quickly even after successful control programs.
• Rabbits reproduce very effectively; complete elimination of rabbits is close to impossible.
• Maximum effectiveness is achieved by integrating appropriate, property-specific control methods.
• Best control is achieved in late summer when rabbit numbers are decreasing and feed is limited.
• Collaboration for community-wide control strategies can greatly reduce numbers and the problem of re-infestation by covering a large area.
INTEGRATION OF MULTIPLE CONTROL METHODS ACHIEVES GREATER RESULTS
To optimise control of feral rabbits, a combination of tools and methods is required. Property-specific strategies may include targeted Calicivirus RHDV1-K5 releases, strategic fencing and tree protection, warren ripping and harbourage reduction, such as cleaning rubble and wood piles that may be used as refuge and more.
LBG can assist landholders with:
• Control advice specific to your property
• Calicivirus RHDV1 K5 releases during area-wide summer program
• Loan of surveillance cameras, traps and smokers for investigations of warrens and burrows
Contact us to discuss rabbit control strategies for 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