Pet rabbit owners across the New England are being urged to vaccinate their animals ahead of a planned release of Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV) to control wild rabbit populations.
Northern Tablelands Local Land Services is encouraging owners in Armidale, Guyra, Glen Innes, Deepwater and Tenterfield to speak with their veterinarian this month, before the biological control program is rolled out in mid-May.
The release comes as wild rabbit numbers surge across the region following favourable seasonal conditions, increasing pressure on farmland and native ecosystems.
Senior Biosecurity Officer Anthony Elliott said controlling wild rabbit populations was essential to protect the environment and agricultural productivity.
“Wild rabbits are an invasive species in Australia and damage local environments through creating significant grazing pressure, competing with native animals for food and causing erosion and soil loss,” he said.
“Landholders are responsible for controlling rabbits on their property as part of their General Biosecurity Duty in NSW.”
RHDV affects only European rabbits and does not pose a risk to native wildlife, livestock or other domestic pets. However, it can be spread easily between rabbits through direct contact, insects such as flies and fleas, and predator faeces.
Authorities say this makes vaccination particularly important for pet owners, as domestic rabbits are vulnerable if exposed.
“As a precautionary measure, we are encouraging pet rabbit owners in the community to contact their private veterinarian about vaccination to avoid the chance of their rabbit becoming affected,” Mr Elliott said.
Vaccination and veterinary consultation costs will need to be covered by pet owners, with no subsidy currently available.
The upcoming release forms part of a coordinated effort to reduce wild rabbit populations, which continue to pose significant challenges for landholders across the Northern Tablelands.
Local Land Services is also encouraging landholders to access available resources and seek advice on managing rabbit populations on their properties, including through the Northern Tablelands Regional Strategic Pest Animal Management Plan.
Residents seeking further information about the RHDV release or rabbit control measures can contact Anthony Elliott, Senior Biosecurity Officer at Northern Tablelands Local Land Services, at anthony.elliott@lls.nsw.gov.au.
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