Peel Harvey Biosecurity Group begins annual calicivirus release program to control feral rabbit populations

An annual program to reduce numbers of feral rabbits in the Peel and upper South West regions has commenced, following a number of community sessions.

The Peel Harvey Biosecurity Group last month held six information sessions across the Peel region and in the Shire of Harvey where landowners and other stakeholders learnt about the organisation’s calicivirus release program.

Under the program, landowners record the number of rabbits on their property and start feeding them with normal feed such as oats.

Inoculated pellets are then provided to registered participants on February 28 and March 1, which are then introduced into the rabbit’s feed source.

Once the virus is introduced, it can lead to a decrease in population numbers by between 40 per cent and 70 per cent if the release is successful.

However, landowners are warned the virus’ impact will likely be temporary if follow up action is not undertaken.

The information events were used by PHBG to clarify the expectations of what landowners should expect from the release program and the requirement for ongoing population monitoring and control methods.

Alongside competing with native animals for food, feral rabbits can also degrade land and impact structural foundations through soil erosion.

For more information on the program or the control of other declared pests can visit phbg.org.

Upcoming events are posted on the group’s Facebook page.