Publication Date

9-2021

Series Number

DPIRD-153

Publisher

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

City

Perth

Abstract

The national release of the Korean strain of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus, RHDV1 K5, took place during the first week of March 2017. It was the first time in 20 years a new rabbit biocontrol agent had been released into Australia, and was part of a 20-year national biocontrol plan for rabbits. More than 600 release sites were selected, including 110 sites in Western Australia (WA).

RHDV1 K5 is a naturally occurring Korean variant of the rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV). Its release was expected to boost management and help slow the increase in rabbit numbers. RHDV1 K5 does not spread through the landscape as efficiently as the original strain of RHDV did in the mid-1990s. The RHDV1 K5 strain can be spread by insect vectors, direct rabbit-to-rabbit contact, and other animals that feed on infected rabbit carcasses may excrete the virus.

Number of Pages

6

Keywords

European rabbit, Rabbits, Rabbit control, Insect vectors, Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV1 K5), Rabbit biocontrol, Pests, Environmental damage, Soil erosion

Disciplines

Agricultural Education | Biosecurity | Entomology | Environmental Health and Protection | Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment | Environmental Monitoring | Population Biology | Virus Diseases | Viruses

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