Central Coast residents have been advised to vaccinate pet rabbits prior to a wild rabbit control program set for March 3.
Led by Greater Sydney Local Land Services, Central Coast Council will participate in the program to release the Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV1-K5) — also known as Calicivirus — at six locations: Norah Head; Wadalba; Ourimbah; North Avoca; Avoca Beach; and Umina Beach.
Additionally, private landholders and other public land managers will release the virus across the region.
Wild rabbits are Australia’s most destructive agricultural pest, causing severe competition for resources and land degradation.
They are recognised as a key threat to Australian native animals, plants and endangered ecological communities.
RHDV1-K5 has been used for wild rabbit control since 2017.
It is species-specific, affecting only rabbits and posing no risk to native wildlife or other pets.
As RHDV1-K5 can also affect pet rabbits, Council strongly advises pet rabbit owners to vaccinate their rabbits by March 1.
Pet rabbit owners should also take extra precautions, including maintaining good hygiene, providing mosquito-proof housing and preventing contact with other rabbits.
For further information on the RHDV1-K5 release, contact Greater Sydney Local Land Services on 4724 2100.
Landholders and community members can report sightings of rabbits or evidence of disease through the Rabbit Scan online portal www.rabbitscan.org.au
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