CSIRO scientists have confirmed the first pest rabbits in Victoria to die from the newly released Korean strain of calicivirus, known as RHDV1 K5.

Two dead rabbits were found near a release site at Tanybryn, while one other was found near a release site at Kaniva in western Victoria.

This result comes just two weeks after the national release of RHDV1 K5 by community groups and land managers at 150 sites across Victoria.

Agriculture Victoria rabbit biosecurity manager John Matthews said the result confirmed that RHDV1 K5 was starting to work within the Victorian landscape.

Mr Matthews said while the release of RHDV1 K5 would boost rabbit control efforts in Australia, it was important to continue with other rabbit management techniques, such as ripping, to take full advantage of any population reductions.

All of the Victorian release sites received tissue sample kits as part of their mailed-out information packs sent in early February. Tissue samples from dead rabbits are now starting to be received at the laboratory testing facilities for analysis.

Samples take approximately 1-2 days to be analysed by the research teams as part of the Invasive Animals CRC National RHDV Monitoring Program.

“We urge those involved to continue to send tissue samples to the laboratory for testing,” Mr Matthews said.

“These reports are vital to our understanding of the movement of the disease around the country and will assist landholders in making future decisions about rabbit management.”

The public is being encouraged to help track the spread of the virus by downloading the RabbitScan smartphone app. The app allows users to easily report evidence of disease to assist land managers across Australia understand the movement of the virus.

Pest rabbits are Australia’s most destructive agricultural pest animal, costing $200 million in lost agricultural production every year, with a further $6 million expended on rabbit control measures.

Source: Agriculture Victoria http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/agriculture/pests-diseases-and-weeds/pest-animals/invasive-animal-management/established-invasive-animals/rhd-boost