Integrated rabbit control is essential if we are to preserve our agricultural production and our unique landscape, say CSIRO scientists.

Dr Lyn Hinds from the CSIRO Division of Wildlife and Ecology and the Vertebrate Biocontrol Centre told the Prime Minister's Science and Engineering Council this morning that integrated rabbit control using all the methods available is the only cost-effective way to control rabbits.

"At the moment, we have myxomatosis and conventional control methods like ripping and fumigating. Some areas have rabbit calicivirus disease, and in the long term we may have immunocontraception," said Dr Hinds.

Dr Hinds told the Council that we need to capitalise on rabbit calicivirus disease in those areas where it is active.

"Complacency is our greatest danger," said Dr Hinds. "We lost our chance with myxomatosis in the late 1950s and now we have another chance with the release of rabbit calicivirus disease as long as it is used strategically and as part of an integrated rabbit control program."

"Immunocontraception or the control of fertility is our long term hope and we are optimistic about the progress of the research," said Dr Hinds.

Economic studies have shown that rabbits cause $600 million damage annually to agriculture, but Dr Hinds says the big winners from the release of rabbit calicivirus will be native plants and animals in our fragile environment.

More information from:
Dr Lyn Hinds 06-242 1729 or 018 697979 or email: L.Hinds@dwe.csiro.au
Robyn Turner 06-242 1645, fax 06-2413343 or email: R.Turner@dwe.csiro.au