With the announcement of the second round of funding for the Partnerships Against Pests program, domestic rabbit owners are being reminded to protect their pets against biological rabbit control.
The Victorian Rabbit Action Network (VRAN) is one of four groups successful in receiving a share of $250,000 via the State Government. Though the network will not be using funding for biological control, instead using the funding for a Mentor Recruitment and Professional Development, and a Compliance Dilemma program, the announcement serves as a timely remind that biological rabbit control has, and continues to be, used across Australia.
Released in the early 1950s, Australia’s first rabbit biocontrol Myxoma saw over 90 per cent of wild rabbits eradicated. However, as time went on, rabbits began developing genetic resistance to the disease and it became less effective.
In 1996, the rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV), also known as calicivirus, was released. According to the VRAN, the release of this virus recorded much success in dry and barren areas but had less impact on rabbits in areas of high rainfall.
The virus has continued to be developed over the years, with a total of three strains currently presenting in Australia: RHDV1, RHDV1a variant, and RHDV2.
Unfortunately, as the virus can be spread via mosquitoes, flies, and fleas, domestic rabbits are at risk of contracting the disease, with the RHDV2 strain, the strain responsible for most domestic rabbit deaths. No strain of RHDV has been found to infect or kill any other animals.
RHDV can also be spread via direct contact with infected rabbits or their urine, faeces, or saliva, or infected equipment and clothing.
With the use of the current strain unrestricted, meaning it can be used and supplied to any person within Victoria, there is also no way to detect where or when the virus has been released – meaning pet owners need to be extra vigilant.
To protect your rabbit against the deadly disease, Whittlesea Fur Life Vet recommends pet rabbits receive regular vaccinations against the virus.
“To prevent your rabbit contracting the potentially deadly calicivirus, it is important that your rabbit receives regular vaccinations,” they said.
“The vaccination should be given around eight weeks of age, then again four weeks later for juveniles and every six months for adults.
“There are new strains in Australia causing sudden death, so it pays to be vigilant with vaccination schedules, especially for outdoor bunnies. Bunnies should also be treated regularly for external parasites like fleas and mites, just like our cats and dogs. We recommend using the same products used for puppies and kittens, like the Advantage spot on or Revolution.”
Other prevention measures include practicing good hygiene, ensuring outdoor enclosures are protected via mosquito nets, and avoiding contact with other rabbits, wild and domestic, outside the household.
