Australia is a land renowned for its unique wildlife.

However, not all creatures hopping around the bush are welcome.

Among the most notorious invaders are seemingly innocent species that recently became an ecological and economic nightmare.


Feral rabbits have wreaked havoc on Australia's environment with their prolific breeding and voracious appetites.

These wild rabbits' actions have led to significant land degradation and loss of native vegetation.

Councils spend about $200 million annually to reverse the damages these rabbits make.


In a bold move to lessen their destructive impact, councils across the nation are preparing to deploy a biological weapon.

However, this drastic measure also came with a stark warning for pet owners.

Most Aussie states could release the Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV-K5), also called the calicivirus.


Calicivirus was first introduced nationally in 2017 and has been used on chopped carrots.

Since then, the calicivirus has reduced the wild rabbit population by about 35 per cent.

However, using this virus also came with several risks.

Calicivirus is highly infectious and could affect domestic rabbits.

The virus can spread through contact and could also be transmitted to pets through insect bites, contaminated materials, and food or water sources.

This rabbit virus could cause severe sickness among domestic rabbits, including fever, difficulty breathing, bleeding, and spasms.

In extreme cases, calicivirus could also lead to sudden death.


With the virus set to be released in the Greater Sydney and Central Coast areas, veterinarians urged rabbit owners to vaccinate their pets immediately.

Greencross Vets' Regional Clinical Director, Will Cadell, saw the devastating effects of calicivirus firsthand and stressed the importance of vaccination.

Without it, a pet rabbit contracting the virus has little to no chance of survival.

Despite the urgency, Cadell also noted that the number of rabbits coming into the clinic for vaccination has been worryingly low.

'I think people are often quite unaware that rabbits need to be vaccinated against these diseases,' Mr Cadell stated.


Rabbit owner Alex Power took it upon herself to spread the word after experiencing a tragic loss.

Her previous rabbit, from an award-winning breeder, succumbed to the virus following its last release.

The breeder's entire stock, fresh from winning gold at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, got wiped out.

This heartbreaking event underscored the critical need for immunisation among domestic rabbits.

While NSW plans to release the virus in early March, other states have already begun their campaigns.


South Australia, Victoria, Western Australia, and Tasmania are at various stages of deployment, with targeted releases continuing through the season.

The Northern Territory and ACT also use the calicivirus for rabbit management, though their release schedules have not yet been clear to the public.

In addition to vaccination, Greencross Vets recommended several precautions to protect pet rabbits, especially during the vulnerable two-week period post-vaccination.

These include keeping rabbits indoors or in insect-proof enclosures, practising good hygiene, minimising outdoor exposure, and cleaning shoes before entering the house.

The decision to release a virus into the environment was not an easy choice.

As councils take action, pet owners must be vigilant and ensure their furry companions are safe from this Aussie menace.
Have you vaccinated your pet rabbit against calicivirus? Are you aware of the risks posed by calicivirus in your area? Hop in the discussion and share your thoughts and experiences with us!