Calicivirus Release Program Continues

Biosecurity Tasmania’s strategic calicivirus release program is continuing across the state. The release of the virus is occurring in areas where high populations of European rabbits have been reported.

European rabbits are an introduced pest species that can damage the environment and thrive in Tasmanian conditions.

As part of the program, a release will occur at Hobart’s Queens Domain over the coming days.

The release of calicivirus, undertaken by trained Biosecurity Tasmania staff, can only occur in specific environmental conditions. These include a period of no significant rainfall and when there are no young rabbits present.

Calicivirus is approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority and is a highly effective biological control for European rabbits.

Biosecurity Tasmania has received reports of European rabbits exhibiting signs of myxomatosis in the Queens Domain area. This is likely the result of a naturally occurring outbreak of that virus in the localised rabbit population.

Biosecurity Tasmania only releases calicivirus and does not release Myxoma virus.

Calicivirus only affects rabbits and poses no risk to human health or other non-target species. A vaccine is available for domestic rabbits against calicivirus; owners are encouraged to contact their local veterinarian as soon as possible for more information.

More information on the calicivirus release program is available on the NRE Tas website:

👉 www.nre.tas.gov.au/rabbits