Commencement of the 2025 Tasmanian calicivirus (RHDV1) release for rabbit control

Rural landowners and residents will be thrilled to learn that Biosecurity Tasmania has started the process of releasing calicivirus (RHDV1) in locations throughout Tasmania. After a limit in supply of calicivirus last year, rabbit populations have increased dramatically.

Rabbits are considered Australia’s most significant invasive pest and impact many of Australia’s threatened species and environments.

Biosecurity Tasmania has recently received a resupply of calicivirus (RHDV1) to use as a biological control for rabbit populations in Tasmania when conditions are suitable.

Calicivirus is specific to rabbits and there is no risk of calicivirus transferring to other animals or humans.

RHDV1 releases only occur when environmental conditions are favourable for a successful release as recommended by scientific studies.

Trained Biosecurity Tasmania staff continue to monitor conditions, with Autumn looking favourable so far. In most locations we are seeing grass drying out and as a result rabbits have stopped breeding. Young rabbits (less than 12 weeks old) are immune or resistant to RHDV1, and if exposed, survive and develop lifelong immunity. This immunity can be passed onto subsequent generations, meaning that the timing of RHDV1 releases are critical to its ongoing effectiveness as a control method.​

Planned release locations for the week ahead will be published on the Biosecurity Tasmania website https://nre.tas.gov.au/invasive-species/invasive-animals/invasive-mammals/european-rabbits/tasmanian-calicivirus-release-sites