“European rabbits are one of the most common and widespread animal pests in Australia. They are pests because they compete with livestock and native animals for pasture and food, damage crops and native vegetation, and cause erosion. Rabbits are a serious threat to both agriculture and native biodiversity.

The key to management success is persistence. One-off efforts produce only short-term results as rabbits may produce many offspring and populations can recover quickly even after successful control programs. Maximum effectiveness is achieved by integrating appropriate control methods. Best control is achieved in late summer when rabbit numbers are decreasing, and feed is limited. District-wide campaigns can reduce the problem of re-infestation by covering a large area.

LBG Feral Rabbit Management Approach:  The Leschenault Biosecurity Group approaches rabbit management with the integrated use of  a variety of tools and strategies, including with cooperation and assistance of participating landholders within our operational area, targeted releases of the “K5″ strain of the Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV).

About the K5″ strain of the Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV): 
This virus, used specifically for the control of rabbits, specifically affects rabbits. Other species, even pets that ingest infected rabbits, are not affected by the virus. Vaccine that protects domestic rabbits against this strain is available and strongly recommended for pet rabbits’ in the release region. It is important however to clarify that other strains not protected by the vaccine can also be present in the region.  For more information about this virus, please click on link below:
WA Dept of Agriculture Rabbit Control: RHDV1 K5

Contact LBG for advice specific to your property:  Best practice methods for controlling rabbits can vary, so for personalised advice please email us.

 Historically, domestic pigs were allowed to range freely with some inevitably became feral, living and breeding in the wild. Accidental or deliberate introductions of domestic pigs into the wild continue today. Feral pigs from long-established populations tend to be small, having longer snouts, heavier forequarters and shorter backs than domestic breeds. White and piebald individuals are quite common in the South West. Feral pigs are omnivores with a high reproductive potential, capable of surviving in many habitats and adapting to changing conditions. They are likely to have a considerable impact on the environments in which they become established. There is evidence that pigs spread the fungal pathogen which causes dieback disease. Feral pigs are also susceptible to several significant exotic diseases of livestock not yet present in Australia. These include foot and mouth disease, African swine fever, rinderpest and rabies. It is important to control feral pigs to prevent the build-up of large numbers.

LBG – utlising the HOGGONE® Feral Pig Control System, as highly effective, humane component of our Feral Pig Control Program.
LBG was the first group in WA to trial use of this system for feral pig control, which uses HOGGONE® meSN® Feral Pig Bait and the HOGGONE® Bait Box proving to be an effective and humane system to pig management.  This system involves  a specific type of bait, placed within boxes carefully designed to allow pigs to smell and easily access bait after limited pre-training, while keeping other animals, rain and extreme heat away from the bait placed in the boxes.  The LBG conducted our first trial of this system on private property in Mumballup, within the Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup WA working collaboratively with two property owners.   Since this first successful trial, the group has now assisted several landowners with elimination of feral pigs on their property utilising this system.  Based on these successes, LBG has now incorporated this system as a highly effective, reliable and humane component of our feral pig management program. 

Read more about this program at the following link:  LBG Successes Utilising the HOGGONE Feral Pig Management System

Best practice methods for controlling feral pigs can vary, so for personalised advice please email us.

Arum lily is a robust, dark green, succulent herb, also known as calla lily. It was introduced to WA from South Africa as a garden plant and subsequently escaped to become established as a weed. It is found in creeks, irrigation ditches and areas of summer-moist land in the higher rainfall South West, often forming large dense clumps. Arum lily spreads by regeneration from tuber fragments and by seed. The white cone-shaped flowers bloom in spring.

Herbicide application via foliar spraying is the most effective method of control, however, this needs to be undertaken with the correct chemical at the right stage of plant development.

Best practice methods for controlling arum lily can vary, so for personalised advice please email us.

Blackberry is a semi-deciduous vine, growing to two meters high with canes up to seven meters long. Blackberry invades pastures, riverbanks and creek lines forming dense thickets that harbor pests such as foxes and rabbits. The dense growing habit of blackberry allows it to out-compete native species, while also creating a serious fire hazard. The species spreads by seed, rooting of cane tips, and by suckers from lateral roots. The fruit is eaten by birds and mammals (especially foxes) that can transport seeds large distances.

Several blackberry species occur in the South West, however all are dormant throughout winter and flower/fruit in summer. Blackberries have been prioritised at a national level as a Weed of National Significance (WoNS).

Herbicides can be extremely effective to eradicate this weed however, application must be undertaken at the correct rates and only when the plant is actively growing. Due to its pattern of growing near waterways, special care needs to be taken with herbicide use.

Best practice methods for controlling blackberry can vary, so for personalised advice please email us.

Also called Salvation Jane, Blueweed, Lady Campbell and Riverina Bluebell. Paterson’s curse is native to Southern Europe, though now recognised as a Declared Pest in South Western WA. This species is an annual herb, however can re-remerge in favourable conditions. It can be identified by its brightly coloured purple flowers and bristly stems. It has adapted to a wide range of soil types and produces prolific amounts of seed, which can sit dormant in the soil for up to 6 years. Paterson’s curse can out-compete crops and is toxic to horses and some stock. The seeds are most commonly spread via contaminated hay and grain, livestock droppings and machinery.

Chemical control is recommended, however can vary depending on situational conditions such as pasture type, grazing species present, bushland abundance and abundance of the weed. Individual plants can be removed by pulling, ensuring the root is removed with the plant.

Herbicides can be extremely effective to eradicate this weed however, application must be undertaken at the correct rates and only when the plant is actively growing. Due to its pattern of growing near waterways, special care needs to be taken with herbicide use.

Best practice methods for controlling Paterson’s curse can vary, so for personalised advice please email us.