Rabbit biological controls
Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV), also called calicivirus, is a biological control agent used to manage wild rabbits. It is transmitted by flies and by direct contact between rabbits.
Biological controls must be used in conjunction with available conventional control methods as part of a coordinated rabbit control program.
Releasing calicivirus (RHDV K5) to boost rabbit control
The RHDV K5 strain is the latest available rabbit biological control.
RHDV K5 was released at various locations Australia-wide in 2017, followed by a release at strategic locations in South Australia in 2019. RHDV K5 only infects the European rabbit and is not detrimental to humans, other domestic pets, or native wildlife.
Landholders are able to purchase RHDV K5 and release it on their own property.
To help achieve long term benefits from RHDV K5 release, landholders must release the virus at the correct time of year and continue to manage rabbits using conventional control techniques. Always follow the directions for use on the RHDV K5 product label.
Current research indicates the best time to release the RHDV K5 virus is:
- early summer
- autumn
Do not release the virus when rabbits are less than 12 weeks old, as this may increase immunity to the virus.
RHDV K5 release in autumn with a coordinated baiting program will effectively target the sub-adult and adult rabbits susceptible to RHDV K5. You can support the spread of biological control agents by leaving infected rabbit carcasses where they died.
Download Releasing K5 rabbit virus – a quick guide ().
More information about rabbit control using biological control and conventional control tools is available on PestSmart.
Purchasing RHDV K5
For information about purchasing RHDV K5, please contact the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries Virology Laboratory:
- Email: virology.enquiries@dpi.nsw.gov.au
- Phone: (02) 4640 6337
Help map the spread of RHDV K5 in your region
Help map the spread of the virus in your region by reporting finds of dead rabbits to the RabbitScan app or online. A disease sampling kit will be mailed to you with instructions for collecting and sending samples to be tested.
The free RabbitScan app can be downloaded through the iTunes and Google Play stores by searching for ‘Rabbit Scan’.
Protecting domestic rabbits from RHDV K5
The calicivirus (RHDV) vaccine, administered by vets, is effective against the RHDV K5 strain and will help protect domestic rabbits.
