The campaign to control rabbits in Queensland is due to be boosted by the introduction of a new naturally occurring virus strain from Korea.
Agriculture Minister Leanne Donaldson said the RHDV1 K5 virus would be a welcome addition in continuing efforts to limit the impacts of Australia’s most destructive agricultural and environmental introduced pest animal.
“It is estimated by the Invasive Animals Co-operative Research Centre that rabbits cost Australia $200 million a year despite extensive use of viruses to eliminate them,” the Minister said.
Minister Donaldson said biocontrol of rabbits had benefited pastoral industries for 60 years, but rabbits had developed resistance to myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease viruses.
“A new calicivirus strain is required and it is hoped the RHDV1 K5 strain will give new impetus to rabbit control.
“A national program, co-ordinated through the Invasive Animals Co-operative Research Centre is likely to roll out at selected sites across the country, including Queensland and our contribution will involve monitoring two sites near Wallangarra, south of Stanthorpe, where the rabbit population is significantly high.
“My Department will then assist with the roll-out of the program once it’s approved for wider use.”
Dr Peter Elsworth, a Biosecurity Queensland research officer for invasive plants and animals, said research into different strains of RHDV had been conducted and the RHDV1 K5 strain was found to be the most effective of 38 strains tested.
“The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and other local government agents will be authorised to release RHDV1 K5 in Queensland,” Dr Elsworth said.
“However, it is important to remember RHDV1 K5 is not a silver bullet, therefore land managers will still need to practice conventional rabbit control methods to keep populations under control.
“For example, monitoring your property and destroying source areas, such as warrens or ready-made structures that are cool and provide protection from predators, is still a very important practice.
“Land managers, farmers, and community groups can get involved in the new control program by registering to be a monitoring or release site for this new strain of RHDV1.”
To register to be a monitoring or release site, visit www.pestsmart.org.au/get-involved-as-a-monitoring-site and submit your expression of interest by the end of May 2016.
The Invasive Animals CRC and its partners will notify applicants later in the year as to their suitability.
For more information about RHDV1 K5 visit http://www.pestsmart.org.au/boosting-rabbit-biocontrol-rhdv-k5-national-release/, or call Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.