News
Calicivirus Release and Rabbit Management
The Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tasmania) has recently conducted a calicivirus release around Bagdad/Mangalore and Pontville area on March 3rd, 2025, as part of ongoing efforts to manage wild rabbit populations.
These releases aim to provide relief to landowners and land managers by reducing rabbit numbers. However, as calicivirus is a naturally occurring virus, its success in the environment cannot be guaranteed. While Biosecurity Tasmania has chosen the most suitable time for this release, there will always be a percentage of rabbits that remain unaffected. Research indicates that without further management, surviving rabbits can rapidly repopulate under favourable conditions.
To achieve a sustained reduction in rabbit numbers, follow-up control measures are essential. Landholders are strongly encouraged to undertake habitat destruction efforts, including:
✅ Warren destruction and ripping – Disrupting burrow systems prevents rabbits from re-establishing.
✅ Habitat removal – Clearing overgrown areas that provide shelter and breeding sites.
The success of rabbit control relies on the co-operation of the Tasmanian community. By adopting these measures alongside calicivirus release, we can work towards long-term reductions in rabbit populations and minimise their impact on agriculture and the environment.
For more information on rabbit management, please visit https://nre.tas.gov.au/invasive-species/invasive-animals/invasive-mammals/european-rabbits
Posted Tuesday, 18 March 2025, 2.00pm
