The Invasive Species Council, Rabbit-Free Australia and the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions are calling on all parties to commit federal support to fast-track the next rabbit biocontrol virus, warning that vital research funding has dried up as the effectiveness of existing viruses fades.
Previous virus releases, like myxomatosis and calicivirus, have been game-changing, but experts say a new virus is needed every 10 years to stay effective as rabbits build immunity.
In a co-signed letter sent to key federal MPs and Senators, the group is urging the government to commit at least $15 million over 5 years to fund the nationally endorsed Rabbit Biocontrol Pipeline Strategy before it’s too late.
‘Rabbits are already numbering more than 200 million and with a few years of excellent seasonal conditions and no new virus on the horizon, we could be seeing a rabbit plague in the years ahead,’ Craig Magnussen, Chair of Rabbit-Free Australia said.
‘The last calicivirus strain was released in 2017 and growing resistance in rabbits means population numbers are rising – and fast.
‘Every year we delay development of a new biocontrol means more rabbits on the ground, more damage to our landscapes and native species and more cost for communities.’
Invasive Species Council CEO Jack Gough said: ‘Australia has had decades of success in suppressing rabbits using biocontrols but in recent years the research pipeline funding has quietly dried up.
‘While there was some welcome funding for gene drive technology in the recent federal budget, this is unproven technology that is at least 2 decades away from having an impact on the rabbit population. We can’t rely on this.
‘Restarting funding for research into new rabbit biocontrols should be a national priority regardless of who wins the election.
Feral rabbits outcompete and destroy the homes of our native animals like bilbies, they devastate threatened native plants and erode landscapes.”
Bruce Christie, Chair of the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions said: ‘Australia’s feral rabbits are among the most damaging invasive animals, threatening over 300 of our native species and costing agriculture more than $200 million a year.
‘The 2024 Rabbit Biocontrol Pipeline Strategy is backed by national experts, including the CSIRO, and endorsed by all governments – it will fast-track the next virus, so it’s a no-brainer to fund this.
‘At $15 million over the next 5 years, this is one of the most cost-effective opportunities we have to turbocharge invasive species control.
‘We have the science, we have the plan – but without federal investment, we can’t move forward.’
Media inquiries: (02) 8006 5004.
Background:
- The Rabbit Biocontrol Pipeline Strategy has been nationally funded since 2007 but funding ran dry in 2022.
- A new plan was released in 2024 and draws on expert input from leading virologists, epidemiologists and ecologists in CSIRO, NSW DPIRD, VIC Arthur Rylah Institute and PIRSA, and is informed by knowledge generated by rabbit biocontrol projects led by the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions and its predecessor, the Invasive Animals CRC. However, there was no renewed funding.
- Despite this, the strategy is endorsed by all Australian governments at both state and federal levels.
- The last rabbit biocontrol virus, RHDV1-K5, was released in 2017.
- New biocontrol agents must be developed and released every 10 to 15 years to remain effective.
- Rabbits inflict widespread damage to our natural ecosystems, agricultural lands, First People’s cultural heritage sites and community infrastructure. They cost Australian agriculture over $200 million every year and threaten 322 nationally listed species.
- The Strategy provides a nationally coordinated pathway to deliver the research and innovation required under the EPBC Act Threat Abatement Plan for Competition and Land Degradation by Rabbits and key industry plans.
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