FAQs

RHDV1-K5 is a naturally occurring Korean variant of the Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV1), which has been present in Australia since 1996. The first nationally coordinated release of this new RHDV1 strain (RHDV1-K5) took place in 2017.

RHDV1-K5 is used as a biocontrol for wild rabbit populations. It is fatal to European rabbits, causing death within 72 hours of the first symptoms. This method is considered one of the most humane ways to control rabbit populations.

The potential spread of the virus is difficult to measure. It is highly infectious and can survive in the environment for months under ideal conditions. Additionally, the virus can be transmitted through soil, plant matter, and other animals that come into contact with affected areas, further facilitating its spread.

The RHDV1-K5 virus is an effective method for controlling wild rabbit populations. Once infected, rabbits display cold-like symptoms, become lethargic, and experience a rapid decline in health. The virus causes a fever lasting up to 24 hours, with death occurring approximately 48 hours after infection.

RHDV is highly infectious. However, there are several ways to help reduce the risk of infection.

1. Vaccinate your rabbits.
2. Install flyscreens/fly nets/mosquito nets to protect your rabbits against flies and mosquitoes, which are potential vectors for RHDV.
   1. Consider housing your rabbits indoors, or with appropriate hutches and/or fencing to ensure your rabbits do not come into contact with any wild rabbits.
3. Quarantine from visitors who have been around wild rabbits – do not allow anyone who has visited areas that wild rabbits frequent to enter the building where domestic rabbits are housed.
   1. RHDV is environmentally resilient, and it is possible for visitors to “trek in” the virus from the outdoors.
   2. If you do need to tend to the rabbits after being in a high-risk area, it is recommended that you shower and change into a clean pair of shoes to reduce risk of contaminated soil.
   3. Do not supply your caged rabbits with grass from areas where there is a risk of contamination from wild rabbits.
4. Clean and disinfect regularly areas where rabbits are housed (depending on the level of risk, from every day to once a week).

Bungendore Park, Armadale Settlers Common and Roley Pools Reserve initially, and participating Habitat Links properties.

No, the virus only affects rabbits and poses no harm to other species, even those that may prey on infected rabbits. In fact, it is expected to have a positive impact, as fewer rabbits (theoretically) will lead to less consumption of native vegetation, giving plant species the opportunity to regenerate and helping the environment thrive.  

The contractor is conducting pre- and post-baiting monitoring, which should provide data on rabbit numbers before and after the treatment, helping to identify any significant changes.

Rabbits are an introduced and invasive species; therefore any population is an overpopulation.