A KOREAN strain of the RHDV1-K5 calicivirus, which is specific to the European rabbit, has been released at several sites in Ardrossan, Port Vincent and Stansbury.
The virus was released following reports of surging rabbit numbers in some coastal towns on the Yorke Peninsula, and is a joint effort with Natural Resources Northern and Yorke and a number of YP community groups.
The RHDV1-K5 is already present on the YP, having been released as part of a national rollout 12 months ago, and it has been successful in reducing rabbit numbers across the majority of districts.
Yorke District Landscapes Ranger Janet More is hopeful the virus will further reduce the impact of rabbits in the three townships, where high numbers have been causing damage to coastal vegetation, lawns, gardens, parks and sporting ovals.
“Rabbits are one of our worst environmental and agricultural pests, so our aim is always to keep rabbit numbers low,” she said.
“When the virus is released, it naturally spreads through the feral rabbit population in and around the township.
The virus release should produce results within a few weeks, and community groups will monitor its progress as it spreads through the rabbit population.
Current vaccines fully protect pet rabbits against RHDV1-K5, but any concerned pet rabbit owners are urged to contact their vet.
