Rabbit Control Program 2026 - Expression of Interest

The City of Armadale is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from Habitat Links participants who would like to be involved in the 2026 rabbit control program. This program will run alongside control works on key City reserves, including Bungendore Park and Armadale Settlers Common.

Following a successful pilot in 2025, which involved 13 Habitat Links properties, the program is being expanded to include up to 30 participating properties in 2026. If you live in an area with a significant rabbit problem, we encourage you to speak with your neighbours about joining Habitat Links so they can also submit an EOI.

🐇Program Overview

Participants will be supported by City officers and an independent contractor during the works stage. The contractor will:

• Release the rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (Korean variant RHDV1‑K5) on each participating property twice, approximately two weeks apart.
• Apply the virus using sliced carrots spread on the ground.

More information about the control of rabbits can be found at: Rabbit biocontrol: RHDV1 K5 national release | Agriculture and Food. 

📅Important Information for Pet Rabbit Owners

1. Pet rabbits must be vaccinated, at the owner’s cost.
2. RHDV K5 is fatal to unvaccinated pet rabbits.
    More information: Pet rabbits and RHDV.
3. RHDV K5 is not harmful to humans, other domestic pets, or native wildlife.

⏳Program Timing

🍂 When: Autumn 2026 – Each baiting event to occur approximately 2 weeks apart

🛠️ How: Contractor will deploy baiting program 

🌿Landholder Commitments

To participate, landholders must:

1. Complete a pre‑survey (rabbit numbers, warrens, seedling impacts).
2. Sign a participation agreement.
3. Attend the Rabbit Control Program Pre‑Meeting with other participants, a City officer, and the contractor on Thursday 19 February at 6pm.
4. Pre‑feed rabbits at agreed sites for two weeks prior to virus release.
5. Provide property access for the contractor during both baiting visits in Autumn 2026.
6. Complete post‑survey monitoring, which may include RabbitScan reporting, remote cameras, or spotlight counts.
7. Undertake follow‑up traditional control, such as warren destruction or removal of rabbit harbour.

📩Submit Your Expression of Interest

Please complete the EOI form, including the pre‑survey—which involves observing rabbit activity on your property for 15 minutes—by Friday 23 January 2026.

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