Low key release of rabbit virus planned for areas in SouthlandSupplied Over 40 per cent of the rabbit population is hoped to be eradicated after the K5 virus is released nationwide. Environment Southland is planning a low-scale release of the RHDV1 K5 rabbit virus, and has identified six potential sites where it could be released. "Generally, Southland has low rabbit populations, but there are isolated pockets with higher populations." Rabbit control remains a landowner responsibility and Environment Southland's biosecurity team provides advice and support to landowners to ensure rabbit control is carried out effectively. The virus is a new strain of rabbit virus (RHDV1), which causes a fatal haemorrhagic disease in the European rabbit.

Source: Stuff March 13, 2018 21:18 UTC