Seasonal rabbit control program – what you need to know

We will begin our seasonal rabbit control program mid-January, targeting selected Shire-managed reserves across the region

Rabbits are a declared pest in Western Australia and can cause serious damage to gardens, crops, native bushland and infrastructure. To help reduce their impact, the Shire undertakes control twice a year, when conditions are most suitable.

How the Shire controls rabbits

Control is carried out by licensed pest control technicians using bait stations containing carrots and oats. These stations are used to distribute Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV), or calicivirus a targeted biological control that only affects rabbits and hares. RHDV is safe for people, pets (other than rabbits) and native wildlife.

Areas included in this round of baiting:

•    Cowaramup – National Heritage Trust, Parkwater and Curtis Street
•    Margaret River
•    Witchcliffe – Ecovillage, Redgate Reserve and surrounding farms
•    Molloy Island
•    Karridale – All areas

Gracetown and Augusta – Flinders Bay will be targeted after the school holidays.

Protecting domestic rabbits

If you have pet rabbits, we recommend taking precautions to protect them from RHDV:

•    Keep rabbits in enclosures or indoors
•    Vaccinate your rabbits
•    Avoid contact with unfamiliar rabbits
•    Regularly disinfect rabbit enclosures

What you can do at home

The Shire is limited to controlling rabbits only on Shire-managed land. The best results happen when landholders and neighbours also take action. Here are a few simple things you can do:

•    Remove piles of wood, rocks or building materials that provide shelter
•    Use rabbit-proof fencing around gardens and sheds
•    Coordinate with neighbours for group control
•    Log rabbit sightings on the FeralScan App
•    Contact DPIRD or a local pest control contractor for advice

Information on control options is available at DPIRD’s website, or by contacting DPIRD on 08 9368 3080 or [email protected].

Working together

Some rural-residential areas have formed local groups to coordinate rabbit control at the same time, which is a fantastic initiative. If the Shire is aware of these efforts, we may be able to contribute by funding control on nearby reserves.

If you’re interested in coordinating efforts or want to know more, please contact the Shire’s Landcare Team at [email protected].

Let’s work together to protect our environment and community spaces.