News & Updates

Twenty local landholders gathered last Saturday despite the heat to tackle one of Australia’s most costly invasive pests at a hands-on rabbit control workshop hosted by the Peel-Harvey Biosecurity Group (PHBG). The Practical Rabbit Control for Small Landholders workshop was held at a site with active rabbit warrens in North Dandalup. Participants learned to identify rabbit activity, mark burrow entrances, use a warren smoker, and set pindone bait stations correctly. PHBG Feral Animal Officer Lacey Ford was encouraged to see how many landholders took advantage of free bait station loan equipment at the workshops and said rabbit baiting could be a highly effective control method when used correctly. “It’s crucial to follow label instructions, and using bait stations to reduce off-target risk and coordinating efforts with neighbours can extend successful rabbit control across property lines,” she said. Ms Ford acknowledged that pesticide use can be controversial, but said that baiting is ...

  Peel-Harvey landholders are being asked to collect rabbit blood samples this summer, after new evidence suggests most local rabbits may now be immune to a key biocontrol tool, calicivirus. Testing by the Peel Harvey Biosecurity Group (PHBG) earlier this year found that two-thirds of sampled rabbits carried antibodies to one or both strains of calicivirus. That means a broad release of the virus would likely have little effect on rabbit numbers. PHBG Executive Officer Teele Hooper-Worrell said the group now needs a much larger pool of samples to identify where the virus could still make a difference when released late this summer. “Each year we plan staged calicivirus releases across the Peel-Harvey region,” she said. “The study we did last summer was small but showed high resistance levels. To achieve the most effective impact this season, we need more samples from more properties.” PHBG is calling on local shooters, whether landholders or professionals, to pick up a free ‘shoot...

Peel Harvey Biosecurity Group (PHBG) recently carried out a targeted release of calicivirus, or rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RDHV), to help manage feral rabbit populations across the Peel-Harvey region. This initiative is an annual effort and forms part of PHBG’s ongoing pest control efforts in cooperation with the community and local government. Blood testing results Before the release, PHBG collected 38 blood samples from rabbits across its operational area to test for calicivirus antibodies, which indicate immunity to the virus. Blood samples from 38 rabbits were analysed. The results showed that 21% tested positive for RHDV1 antibodies, while 66% carried antibodies for RHDV2 — the dominant wild strain. Rabbits can test positive for antibodies of both strains. The high presence of antibodies indicated that a region-wide calicivirus release would be ineffective at reducing rabbit numbers.  Community participation A total of 54 landholders registered to take part in the blood drive...

Peel Harvey Biosecurity Group (PHBG) is hosting a special screening of the ABC’s Eat the Invaders on March 6 . Join us and an expert panel in Pinjarra as we watch the rabbit episode and debate innovative, sustainable, and sometimes controversial solutions to managing invasive species. Rabbits, introduced to Australia in the 18th century, have become one of the nation’s most destructive pests. They decimate native vegetation, contribute to soil erosion, and outcompete local wildlife for resources. While rural Australia has long battled these pests, peri-urban areas—where urban sprawl meets the countryside—are becoming the new frontline. Limited control measures in these zones allow rabbits to flourish, creating challenges for conservationists, farmers, and homeowners alike. “Rabbits are slowly spreading across our peri-urban and urban areas,” says Teele Hooper-Worrell, Executive Officer of PHBG. “A small number of rabbits can become ecosystem architects, determining what native plants w...

Local landowners need to jump onto rabbit control this summer, says Peel Harvey Biosecurity Group (PHBG). In an effort to help locals battle Australia’s most costly pest, PHBG will host information sessions across the Peel-Harvey region in December. The sessions will provide landowners with practical guidance on effective rabbit control methods. PHBG Executive Officer Teele Hooper-Worrell said it’s essential that property owners understand how to control rabbits effectively, regardless of whether the property is a few acres or a productive farm. “Rabbits cause over $270 million in damage to agriculture every year, but that figure doesn’t capture the damage to our native ecosystems or the day-to-day impact on landholders,” said Teele. “Rabbits impact on landholders in a range of ways–they graze on crops, prevent native plants from regenerating, their warrens can make a paddock unusable or even undermine buildings. Just one or two rabbits can lead to long-lasting effects and should initi...