Six rabbits infected with RCD released nr GS town of Cranbrook

October 18, 1996

The controlled release of rabbit calicivirus disease (RCD) in Western Australia began today with Primary Industry Minister Monty House releasing six infected rabbits near the Great Southern town of Cranbrook.

Mr House said the controlled release of RCD in Western Australia marked an historic milestone in the fight against Australia's worst agricultural pest.

The control of wild rabbits in WA would deliver significant economic benefits to the farm sector and community generally, and play a major role in environmental restoration.

The Minister said the release would be welcomed by farmers throughout the State's agricultural region. Since being introduced into Australia in 1859, the European rabbit had carved out a well-deserved reputation for causing severe environmental damage.

Damage by wild rabbits in Australia, including the annual cost of control and the loss to agricultural production had been estimated at $600 million.

"Wild rabbits compete with livestock for available pasture and kill young trees and shrubs by stripping them of bark," Mr House said.

"Their warrens contribution to soil erosion by removing vegetation and disturbing soil.

"The loss of vegetation from rabbit grazing also threatens the survival of native birds and mammals.

"Rabbits have also contributed to the extinction of native plant and animal species." Mr House said the State's first confirmed deaths of wild rabbits from the disease were on the WA - South Australia border in May.

It had since spread through more than 30 agricultural and southern pastoral shires in WA.

The Minister said the spread of the disease had been inevitable and justified the need for a controlled release of the disease to maximise its effect on the wild rabbit population.

"Extensive consultation has been held with interest groups in WA over the past 12 months and the controlled release of RCD has the support of the majority of farmers, conservationists and the general community," he said.

Mr House said that after 10 years' experience in Europe and Asia, there was no conclusive evidence that the virus affected any species other than European rabbits.

The Minister said Agriculture Western Australia had a comprehensive operational plan to implement the controlled release of rabbit calicivirus disease in about 40 locations throughout the State.

Agriculture Western Australia would manage the release to have the best possible effect for agriculture and the environment.

Media contact: Nicole Trigwell (09) 481 2044, pager 476 0369