The council plans to release the virus in Otago in late March or April and is currently monitoring rabbit numbers so it can judge the virus' effectiveness. Photo: Otago Regional CouncilThe news that the Otago Regional Council has gained permission to import and release the RHDV1 K5 (K5) rabbit virus later this month has pleased Central Otago farmers. The virus could potentially reduce the region’s rabbit population by more than 40%. Federated Farmers Otago president Phill Hunt said feedback he had received from farmers indicated they were delighted with the decision. ‘‘The whole of Otago has probably higher than normal rabbit numbers as we have had a drier season and there has been reduced mortality,’’ he said.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 14, 2018 01:18 UTC