Rabbit Control
In Australia, European rabbits have major impacts on agricultural productivity and the environment. The Threat abatement plan released by the Australian Government Department of the Environment in January 2016 found that rabbits are a significant threat to biodiversity, affecting 304 nationally threatened plant and animal species. Rabbits also impact agricultural productivity by $200 million a year.
In March of 2017, phase one of a 20-year long-term rabbit biocontrol pipeline strategy was implemented with the national release of a Korean strain of Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus, known as RHDV1 K5.
This virus was released at more than 300 sites around Australia in March of 2017 and many release sites have reported seeing an observed decline in rabbit numbers on their property. Preliminary analysis has shown a 50 per cent average reduction in wild rabbit numbers at sites where the new strain was released. This was part of a long-term strategic approach to rabbit control.
So, you may ask why are we talking about Rabbit Control in Cherry Gardens? Well we have been informed by a few locals that they are seeing a significant increase in rabbit numbers throughout the district and this sounds concerning. We have been in contact with The Natural Resources, Adelaide and My Lofty Ranges department and they have advised that if there are at least 6 locals who are prepared to participate in a baiting program in Cherry Gardens then they will put together a program for us which will include the supply of the baits (which are in the form of treated carrots).
So, do you have a rabbit problem on your property?
Are you willing to allow a baiting program to be run on your property?
If the answer is yes, then please email us at cherrychatter@yahoo.com and we will forward details on to the authorities.
If any residents are concerned about their pet rabbits, then they should talk to their Vet. There is a vaccine available that can be given to pet rabbits to protect them from this virus and it is the responsibility of all rabbit owners to get their pets vaccinated.