Government’s new Korean calicivirus failing to control rabbit numbers in Tooradin
RABBITS are out of control in Tooradin, a farmer of 50 years has warned, despite government’s new virus.
South East
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RABBITS are out of control in Tooradin, according to a woman who has lived there for 50 years.
Jennifer Rowe, who has a 24ha hay farm on Manks Rd, said fox killing programs had led to an explosion in the vermin and the new Korean calicivirus wasn’t killing them as hoped.
She said the rabbits were “eating her out of house and home” by destroying the grass.
“I have never seen anything like it,” she said.
“They get into the hayshed and eat anything that’s going.
“They are out in the middle of the day.
“I have seen 12 of them at one time ... they are like fleas running everywhere, digging up the lawn ruining plants and eating all the roots; they are a terrible menace.
“We have to deal with drought, weather and … if we don’t have any grass we won’t be able to bring in any cattle on here and (rabbits) breed so prolifically.
“If it keeps on this way and that virus isn’t working then it’s a predicament.”
Earlier this year the Federal Government trialled the new virus at seven sites across the Flinders electorate to curb rabbit populations including Cranbourne South, French Island and Phillip Island.
Biosecurity manager at the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources John Matthews said laboratory tests showed 66 per cent of samples collected from dead rabbits since the release were positive for the virus.
“The very preliminary data indicates an impressive 42 per cent average reduction in wild rabbit numbers where RHDV1 K5 was released,” he said.
“RHDV1 K5 is killing rabbits and RHDV1 K5 has spread from release sites.
“Land-holders should be supporting the release and making the most of any advantage that release has provided by implementing conventional control methods based on warren destruction.”
People can report rabbit sightings here.