Eurobodalla Council will release the calicivirus in Dalmeny, Kianga and Narooma areas in the coming weeks to help control the feral rabbit population.
While the virus will only affect European wild rabbits, as a precautionary measure owners of pet rabbits should follow the RSPCA’s guidelines to reduce the risk of infection.
Council’s invasive species supervisor Paul Martin said Council had a legal obligation to control feral rabbit populations on Council-managed land, just as private landholders, farmers and residents had an obligation to control rabbits on their land.
“Rabbits can cause havoc in our coastal areas burying under houses and digging up gardens,” he said.
“They’re also problematic in our natural environment as they eat a lot of native vegetation, cause erosion and their holes can be a trip hazard.”
Mr Martin said Council’s rabbit control program this year focussed on the southern region, from Bodalla to Akolele.
“Shooting and warren fumigation in these hilly areas can be problematic, and we don’t use pindone baiting where native fauna could be impacted by rodenticides. So, in this instance, calicivirus is the best method for primary control,” he said.
“The virus will be released on baited carrots in key locations and each bait station will be signposted with information about the release.”
The RSPCA has produced a range of resources for rabbit owners, including tips on reducing the risk of infection from rabbit haemorrhagic disease, caused by the calicivirus.
