Welcome to the 4th edition of the Feral Rabbit Management Newsletter!

Thanks for your support

As we wrap up another busy year in feral rabbit management, I want to extend my thanks to everyone across the country who has contributed to the ongoing effort to reduce the impacts of rabbits on our landscapes, biodiversity and agricultural productivity.

This year saw stronger collaboration, better regional coordination, and growing land manager interest in rabbit management - proving the value of working together on long-term, landscape-scale solutions.

Reports of rabbit numbers trending upwards in several regions are a timely reminder of why sustained, coordinated management matters. They also highlight the importance of continuing to strengthen Australia's biocontrol pipeline so we're ready with future tools to support land managers. The National Feral Rabbit Biocontrol Pipeline Strategy remains central to this effort, helping ensure we maintain long-term, science-driven solutions alongside on-ground control. Find out more about the pipeline here.

Spring/summer feral rabbit control

With spring/summer upon us, many of you would be seeing kittens emerging from the warrens. There are three main management options you can choose this season:

1. Do nothing.

2. Panic management.

3. Plan and deliver ongoing control.

We hope you choose option 3! For more information on control options, check out the Rabbit management made simple and Working with contractors articles in this newsletter. 

Looking ahead

As we look to 2026, our focus remains on supporting communities with practical tools, consistent messaging, and evidence-backed strategies to help ensure feral rabbit management is effective and coordinated. I look forward to continuing this work with you all in the new year.

Thank you for your support in tackling the rabbit issue throughout 2025. Wishing you a safe and restful festive season.

- Heidi Kleinert, National Feral Rabbit Management Coordinator

In preparation for your rabbit baiting program, it is time to map and record where your rabbit problems are on your property or in your community. This provides insight into the location and scale of the problem, as well as the extent of damage caused by rabbits.

RabbitScan is a free and easy-to-use resource that is the perfect tool for mapping.

Download RabbitScan here. 

Image shows interface of RabbitScan app on a mobile device. 

The Glovebox Guide for Managing Rabbits is a valuable resource for those starting to manage feral rabbits. Produced by the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, it provides current and general information on best practice rabbit management for land managers, pest animal officers and others involved in the management of rabbits.

The Glovebox Guide is available online but if you are a group that would like a large amount of hard copies, please order here. Please note, a revised version will be published in 2026. 

Rabbits leave telltale signs in the landscape. Regularly assess your property and look for these indicators:

- Soil disturbance and scratched soil. 

- Dung piles – concentrated droppings near feeding areas. 

- Active warrens – holes in the ground that provide shelter for rabbits. 

- Shrub damage – plants have a cut at a 45-degree angle and you can see a graze line of where rabbits can reach. 

- Weed growth – rabbits encourage weed species. 

For more information, click here. 

Image provided by Chris Cox. 

For many land managers, finding the time or having the technical know-how to run an effective rabbit management program can be a challenge. That's where engaging a reliable contractor can make all the difference. Before you do, it's important to understand what a good rabbit control plan looks like and what to expect from a professional.

Questions to ask your contractor

Before hiring, consider asking:

- What is their experience with rabbit control?

- Have they worked in your local area before?

- Are they authorised to use chemicals in your state?

- Have they completed recognised training in bait product use?

- Do they have appropriate protective clothing and equipment?

- Can they provide references from previous clients?

These questions help ensure you're working with someone who is both qualified and trustworthy.

Contractors can help you with your rabbit control plan. 

What your contractor might ask you

To deliver the best results, your contractor may need information such as:

- the nature and extent of rabbit damage

- locations of feeding areas and burrows

- presence of woody or spiny weeds

- whether neighbouring properties have rabbit issues

- estimated rabbit population size

- preferred treatment methods

- specific areas on your property for treatment

- your available budget

- types and locations of wildlife on your property (e.g., birds of prey, kangaroos, wombats). 

If you're unsure about any of these details, a site inspection may be necessary. If a contractor doesn't ask at least some of these questions, it's worth seeking additional quotes.

The Victorian Rabbit Action Network (VRAN) has developed a helpful factsheet about how to work with contractors, which you can view here. 

Throughout October and November, CSIRO received multiple rabbit disease samples for testing from ACT, NSW, Vic, Qld, and SA. As shown on the map, calicivirus is being detected across most of Australia, with the exception of WA and NT.

Key findings:

- 65% of samples tested positive for Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV2).

- The dominant strain currently circulating is RHDV2.

If you encounter a diseased rabbit, you can request a test kit through RabbitScan or CSIRO.

View previous rabbit disease updates here.  

Location of submitted cases for calicivirus testing in October and November 2025. 65% of samples tested positive for RHDV2.

Photos taken at the NSW Vertebrate Pest Symposium 2025. 

The NSW Vertebrate Pest Management Symposium was recently held at Pacific Bay Resort in Coffs Harbour, drawing more than 200 attendees from across the country. Centred on this year's theme, Pest Management for Practitioners, the program delivered a practical mix of presentations, workshops and trade exhibits. Keynote speakers Shauna Chadlowe, CEO, Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Jack Gough, CEO, Invasive Species Council and Linton Staples, Director, Animal Control Technologies, provided valuable insights into public acceptance of lethal control methods and the future of rabbit research in Australia.

National Feral Pig Management Coordinator, Heather Channon, was also in attendance, and the trade exhibition attracted strong interest, particularly the innovative pest monitoring tools showcased by Peter West from FeralScan.

The event was a strong reminder of the impact we can achieve through collaboration and shared expertise. The next Symposium is scheduled for 2027.

Find out more about the Symposium here. 

I recently had the opportunity to tour the Darling Downs–Moreton Rabbit Board's (DDMRB) rabbit-proof fence - a remarkable 555km biosecurity barrier safeguarding some of Queensland's most valuable agricultural landscapes. Stretching from Lamington National Park to Goombi, the fence plays a critical role in keeping one of Australia's most destructive invasive species, the feral rabbit, out of the state's prime production areas.

For more than 100 years, the DDMRB has patrolled and maintained this essential infrastructure. Their efforts help protect 28,000 square kilometres of farmland across eight local council areas, preventing overgrazing, preserving biodiversity and supporting the productivity and resilience of local communities.

During the tour, I met the dedicated rangers who maintain the fence year-round, carrying out inspections, repairs, upgrades and community engagement. Their commitment to proactive pest management - including responding to public reports of rabbit sightings - is a powerful reminder of the importance of prevention in safeguarding our landscapes.

The rabbit-proof fence stands as a testament to long-term planning, regional collaboration and the enduring value of biosecurity vigilance. For more information on the fence and rabbit management efforts in the Darling Downs–Moreton region, contact the DDMRB team at enquiries@ddmrb.org.au.

Touring the rabbit-proof fence. 

Photos taken during the tour. 

Orchids have appeared in the Younghusband Peninsula Sandhills due to rabbit control. 

Recently, I hosted 23 participants for an immersive field tour of the Coorong region alongside renowned researchers Brian Cooke and Peter Bird. The visit offered a rare opportunity to explore the science and strategy behind managing one of Australia's most persistent environmental challenges - the feral rabbit.

The tour brought together experts and practitioners from across SA, including representatives from Landscape Boards, universities, CSIRO, the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions and Rabbit Free Australia. It was a valuable chance to strengthen collaboration, share insights and build capability in the ongoing effort to reduce the impacts of this invasive species.

Highlights of the day include: 

Salt Creek research sites - Attendees explored the Salt Creek fenced vegetation sites where decades of vegetation and rabbit research have shaped national rabbit control strategies. This site has been fenced for 47 years demonstrating what will grow with rabbits being present. 

Younghusband Peninsula Sandhills – Participants learned how the introduction of myxomatosis and Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV) has driven remarkable vegetation recovery in fragile dune ecosystems.

Coorong National Park – The group discussed the impact of rabbits on critical mallee fowl habitat and the challenges of protecting this endangered species.

This tour was more than a field visit - it was a chance to connect, share experiences, and strengthen partnerships in the fight against feral rabbits. Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to this important conversation.

I was fortunate to attend the Rabbit Free Australia Annual General Meeting, which included a guest panel discussing the 30th anniversary of Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV).

The host, Leigh Radford, interviewed Brian Cooke, Nicholas Newland, Rob Morrison, and William Morgan, members of Rabbit Free Australia, on what work life was like at the time of the introduction of RHDV to Australia. Leigh also spoke with Shauna Chadlowe, CEO, Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, about the future of biocontrols in Australia. Thirty years later, we are still battling complex issues of rabbit management and research investment. However, the ground work set by these trailblazers has made it far much easier.

If you want to learn more about this incredible story:

Watch – ABC Landline - Meet the Ferals

Read - Australia's War on Rabbits – The Story of Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease

Thank you to everyone who joined the recent Landcare Victoria webinar on managing rabbits as a pest. Close to 250 people registered to hear leading experts share tools, practical case studies and lessons for tackling one of Australia's most persistent pests.

I had the opportunity to present at the webinar, sharing the latest national insights and emerging trends in rabbit control.

Ina Smith, a researcher from CSIRO, explained how to optimise biological control tools and clarified the differences between biological controls and biocides.

Jason Wishart, a representative from Agriculture Victoria, shared practical guidance on integrated management, compliance requirements, and support available for landholders.

Jack Harriss, from Bass Coast Landcare Network, shared case studies on how he has been tackling rabbits in the Bass Coast region of Victoria.

The webinar was designed for Landcare groups, volunteers, and land managers, offering practical knowledge and proven approaches to strengthen rabbit control efforts across Victoria.

Missed the session? A recording will be available soon - stay tuned for details!

Find out more about Landcare Victoria here. 

Yvette Hayes and the Feral Rabbit Group from Emerald have been busy driving awareness and action across the region. Recently, they delivered two presentations on feral rabbit management - one in Emerald, attracting 40 participants, and another in Selby, with 35 attendees. These sessions sparked valuable conversations about practical control measures and the importance of community collaboration - find out more from our chat with Yvette below. 

How are you helping people increase their rabbit knowledge?

Our two-day Victorian Rabbit Action Network (VRAN) Bootcamp was a fantastic success, with participants diving deep into strategies for tackling feral rabbits. The event wasn't just about learning techniques - it was about building a united front. Discussions focused on collective action, working with neighbours, and developing a community-led development plan. Over the two days, Neil Devanny, Brad Spear, and Tim Bloomfield from VRAN shared expert insights on rabbit ecology, habits, and control methods, including reducing safe harbour, ripping, fumigation, fencing, baiting, and implosion techniques.

A highlight was the live demonstration by Ricky from Con Earth, who brought in a 15-tonne excavator to show how ripping works on a warren system. Special thanks to local residents Gaynor and Darren, who opened their properties for practical demonstrations - they're now working with neighbours to implement local area plans.

Photos taken during the two-day VRAN bootcamp.

What's next for the Feral Rabbit Group?

The momentum continues! Our next steps include:

- sharing knowledge with neighbours and the wider community

- creating awareness around the locally-led Feral Rabbit Development Plan

- exploring training opportunities for those keen to expand their skills.

We've had some great initial success but there is still plenty more to do.

For more information, click here. 

The Victorian Rabbit Action Network (VRAN) has announced the appointment of Sandra McCormick as its new Facilitator.

Sandra brings a wealth of experience in community engagement and pest management, making her an excellent fit to lead VRAN's collaborative efforts. In her role, Sandra will work closely with the VRAN mentors, land managers, community groups, and industry stakeholders to strengthen rabbit control strategies and promote sustainable land management practices across Victoria. Sandra is passionate about supporting communities and looks forward to driving initiatives that deliver real, on-ground results.

Contact Sandra McCormick at facilitator@vran.com.au.

A powerful new mural by street artist Fuzeillear now features on the Darling Downs-Moreton Rabbit Board (DDMRB) office, raising awareness of the environmental and economic damage caused by feral rabbits in Australia.

The mural is part of a larger project, Consolidating the Rabbit Fence: Working together to keep rabbits out of Queensland, funded through Round 7 of the Queensland Government's Queensland Feral Pest Initiative. The project focuses on building regional capacity for rabbit management through field surveys, education, and community engagement across five local government areas.

"Thrive Again" depicts threatened native species that are directly impacted by rabbits, with the ever-present rabbit threat being held back by DDMRB's 555km rabbit barrier fence.

View the mural at 139 McEvoy Street, Warwick.

The striking mural by Fuzeillear. 

Green dots indicate active rabbit warrens from Stockyard Point in the south, along the foreshore to Lang Lang Caravan Park in the north. 

Melbourne Water has contracted the services of Bass Coast Landcare Network's (BCLN) Invasive Species Team to combat the rabbit infestation that has engulfed Jam Jerrup Coastal Park.

Jam Jerrup Coastal Park is situated in the Ramsar listed site of Westernport Bay, Victoria and encompasses a variety of significant habitat features for native flora and fauna species. The primary focus of the project is to protect the internationally significant roosting site for migratory shorebirds at Stockyard Point.

The sandy soils, dense vegetation and lack of intervention have contributed to a thriving rabbit population in the region. BCLN has been working extensively since 2024/25 financial year to steadily decrease the rabbit population in the region.

The primary control method is warren fumigation, with treated warrens being collapsed afterwards.

A significant obstacle to the successful delivery of this program is the old boat sheds within the neighbouring caravan park - these are being undermined by large rabbit warrens. BCLN will work with the new land manager, with the hope of reaching an agreement which will be mutually beneficial to all members of the local community.

BCLN aim to fumigate and destroy all warrens and is also working to establish a buffer zone of control around the project area, to avoid re-invasion by rabbits from private properties. 

For more info, contact Jack Harriss, Bass Coast Landcare Network, at jack.harriss@basscoastlandcare.org.au.  

Warren ripping has made a significant impact in controlling the rabbit population at Lake Clifton Herron Hall Reserve in WA's Peel-Harvey region. The project, led by the locally recognised Peel Harvey Biosecurity Group (PHBG), involves assessment, monitoring, and close coordination with the Shire of Waroona and local residents.

Rabbits had been increasing in number, placing pressure on both the reserve and surrounding private properties. The initiative forms part of PHBG's Cross-tenure Invasive Species Program (CrISP), designed to bridge pest management efforts between public and private land.

The project began in July 2024 with 25 warrens mapped across the six-hectare reserve. After harbour removal and a calicivirus release over spring, PHBG had identified 35 warrens by January 2025, with 21 suitable for warren ripping. Using a warren smoker to pinpoint active burrows, heavy machinery destroyed the warren systems, a proven method for significantly reducing rabbit numbers. A November 2025 inspection showed good results with minimal warrens re-opening. These were followed up with further control.

PHBG will continue works this summer, including vegetation removal for better access, repeat control activities, and a trial of mesh skirting around tree bases to deter re-digging.

Area before ripping was undertaken. 

Area during ripping process. 

Area nine months after ripping completed. 

Local Land Services regularly run workshops, events and training across NSW to support land management work.  Pest management training and community meetings are held frequently. To find out what's happening in your area, click here. 

NSW Good Neighbour Program

Additional projects have also been added to the Good Neighbours Program, a $10 million NSW Government initiative to tackle pest and weed infestations at the boundary between private and public lands, improving pest and weed control through collaboration.

To view all the projects and get further information visit the Good Neighbours Program webpage.  

Image from NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. 

Photo of ripping tynes. 

If you are a famer located in SA's Limestone Coast, Hills and Fleurieu or Murraylands and Riverland areas, contact your local Landscape Board to see if you are eligible for the current drought fund incentives, which include warren ripping and 1080 baiting.

This program will be finishing soon, and due to high demand the program may soon reach full capacity.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) is leading this project in partnership with regional Landscape Boards, the National Rabbit Management Coordinator and Rabbit Free Australia.

For more information, contact Byron Manning on 0411 655 883.

In 2025, the fourth round of the Victorian Governments Partnerships Against Pests grants program awarded $927,642 in funding for 27 projects. 

The Traditional Owner stream of the Partnerships Against Pests grants has so far awarded nearly $750,000 in funding to four First Nations projects. These projects will be completed over up to three years and include a range of capacity and knowledge building activities for established invasive species, as well as work towards the achievement of Whole of Country Plans and Natural Resource Agreements.

Congratulations to all the groups undertaking pest projects.

More details can be found here. 

Image provided by Heidi Kleinert.

Are you working on a rabbit program and want to share your story with others. Or maybe you have some photos that show the impact of rabbits on our environment?

Contact rabbits@invasives.com.au as we would like to hear from you!

Peel Harvey Biosecurity Group won the Australian Biosecurity Community Award 2025. 

I wanted to take the opportunity to congratulate all the winners of the 2025 Australian Biosecurity Awards, announced by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry on 5 November 2025.

In particular, I'd like to congratulate Peel Harvey Biosecurity Group, who were recognised for their leadership on community-driven biosecurity and who I know work tirelessly to educate and collaborate with their local community to reduce the impacts of rabbits. 

Congratulations also to Dr Annelise Wiebkin,  former National Feral Deer Management Coordinator, who received a Biosecurity Commendation Certificate for her exceptional commitment to safeguarding Australia's biosecurity through collaborative feral deer management efforts.

Read more here. 

Check out these two journal articles for advice on baiting as a feral rabbit management technique.  

Optimising the delivery of Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV) to rabbits for biocontrol: an experimental evaluation of two novel methods of virus delivery 

RHDV is used for large- and local-scale control of invasive European rabbits in Australia and New Zealand. Traditional baiting methods can be ineffective when natural feed is abundant. This study tested four RHDV deployment methods - carrot and oat baits (conventional), and meat baits and soil burrow sprays (novel) - for how long they remain infectious. All methods successfully killed exposed rabbits, but infectivity duration varied: oat baits remained effective for 20 days, meat baits for 10 days, and carrot baits and soil sprays for five days. High viral loads persisted even after infectivity ended. The study suggests fly larvae play a key role in transmitting virus from meat baits and carcasses, and concludes that meat baits and soil sprays offer alternative deployment strategies when rabbits avoid consuming baits. Read more. 

Baiting in conservation and pest management: A systematic review of its global applications in a changing world

Baiting is widely used to manage wildlife populations and influence ecosystems, predominantly in Australia and New Zealand, with most applications aimed at lethal control of mammals using substances like sodium monofluoroacetate. Despite its extensive use, many baiting studies have limited replication and simplistic designs, potentially misrepresenting population impacts. Baiting can also provide therapeutic benefits, and optimising its application presents opportunities to improve outcomes and expand its use responsibly. Read more. 

Image provided by David Kleinert.

If you're part of a community group seeking funding support, here are a few grant programs currently open or soon to be opened.

Australian Wildlife Society Conservation Group Grants

The Australian Wildlife Society (AWS) offers Conservation Group Grants to support wildlife conservation groups dedicated to preserving Australia's native fauna and their habitats. These grants typically range from $1,000 to $5,000, with the number of grants awarded each year depending on available funding.

To apply, complete the grant application form available on the AWS website. For more information on this grant scheme, click here.

Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry: Strengthening Drought Resilience on Country – Mob-led grant opportunity

The Strengthening Drought Resilience on Country Grant Program will deliver this investment through community-driven projects that build resilience to dry times and climate impacts. Applications close 16 December 2025. 

For more information on this grant scheme, click here.

Wettenhall Environment Trust's Small Environmental Grant Scheme

The Wettenhall Environment Trust's Small Environmental Grant Scheme continues to call for projects that positively impact the environment, with grants between $2.000 and $15,000 available.

Grants are issued four times a year in February, May, August and November. Applications open 8 December 2025 for funding in February 2026.

For more information on this grant scheme, click here.

AgriFutures evokeAG 2026

Dates: 17-18 February 2026

Venue: Melbourne, Victoria

For more information on the symposium, click here.

ABARES Outlook Conference 2026

Dates: 3-4 March 2026

Venue: Canberra, ACT

For more information on the symposium, click here.

5th International Congress on Biological Invasions

Dates: TBC - Sep or Oct 2026

Venue: Perth, WA

For more information on the symposium, click here.

FAOPMA Pest Summit 2026

Dates: 15-17 July 2026

Venue: Auckland, New Zealand

For more information on the symposium, click here.

To subscribe to the quarterly newsletter, click here. 

Want to find out more about feral rabbit control? Visit PestSmart or contact rabbits@invasives.com.au

This project is managed by the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions and proudly supported by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Rabbit Free Australia and Darling Downs - Moreton Rabbit Board.

The Centre for Invasive Species Solutions acknowledges the continuing connection of First Nations Peoples to culture, country and community in Australia and pays respect to Elders past, present and emerging. 

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