Last December, our biosecurity team urged pet rabbit owners to consult their vets about a vaccination schedule, with the released planned for late summer.  

That release was delayed due to the ongoing hot and dry conditions. It is now planned to commence in coming days as the weather conditions become more favourable. 

Calicivirus is mainly spread from rabbit to rabbit by contact in burrows and biting insects like mosquitoes.

This disease which damages the rabbit's internal organs such as the liver and gut, and can also cause haemorrhage or bleeding. There is no cure for Calicivirus. Generally, 70-100% of rabbits die once affected.

“Calicivirus is a very effective control tool where there are susceptible populations of wild rabbits,” said Luke Booth, Biosecurity team leader with Hunter Local Land Services.

“In cases where there are wild rabbits around urban areas, traditional control methods using poisons, fumigants or shooting is restricted, due to increased risks.

“We are urging landholders undertake control works including baiting, removing harbour and destroying burrows before and after the programmed calicivirus release to maximise its success.”

For more information, please contact your nearest Hunter Local Land Services office or visit our website on www.hunter.lls.nsw.gov.au