Rabbit Control Program

Warren control is a critical component in effectively controlling rabbit populations. By destroying the rabbit warren, you significantly impact its ability to breed and re-populate an area.

The most effective techniques used to control rabbit warrens are:

• Ripping
• Imploding
• Fumigation

Warren ripping is a process using machinery to rip into the ground, effectively destroying the warren system.   A spotter is used to help guide the machine operator so that the entire extent of the warren system is treated. Once ripped, the site is then re-compacted and re-vegetated.

Implosion is the technique where a fully qualified and registered operator of explosives is employed to safely collapse a warren system. The process involves using an explosive charge to cause sufficient sub-surface disturbance to collapse the warren system whilst creating minimal disturbance on the surface. This technique is only used when ripping is not a possible option.

Fumigation is a technique using a tablet of Aluminium phosphide (most commonly used in fumigation) that releases a poisonous phosphine gas when activated by moisture. This technique requires all burrow entrances to be sealed so that there is nowhere for any rabbits or the gas to escape.

Baits of oats or chopped carrot, treated with either Pindone or 1080 will be laid by licensed contractors in accordance with each products manufacturer’s directions. 

Signage will be posted prior to the commencement of baiting for each reserve that will be baited. This signage will indicate which poison is being used, feed type, and baiting period.

The registered product used for baiting will include non-treated feed and treated feeds.  The amount of bait laid will be determined by rabbit density.  Any carcasses and unconsumed baits will be collected by the contractors and disposed of off-site via daily monitoring.

Wyndham City’s specialised contactor will notify adjoining landowners to the targeted areas to explain processes relating to baiting program.

Wyndham City has a legal obligation under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 to control declared pest animals. We also undertake rabbit baiting programs in Council reserves to reduce the degradation that rabbits cause to the environment. As a land owner/manager, Wyndham City also has a legal obligation to control declared pest animals. Wyndham City has been undertaking rabbit control (including baiting) annually since 2000.

Bio-controls such as myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD, also commonly known as rabbit calicivirus) continue to assist in the control of rabbit populations. However neither of diseases has provided a total solution, so conventional methods of rabbit control are still necessary to ensure that rabbit impacts are minimised

Wyndham City uses an integrated rabbit control program.  Relying on one technique alone is often not effective.  The techniques Wyndham City uses are:

• Poison baits
• Harbour (pest plant) destruction
• Burrow destruction and/or fumigation
• Netting

When Baiting is a component of the Rabbit Control Program, Wyndham City uses a State Government licensed contractor that works in accordance within the manufacturer’s directions of the registered product used. 

The two registered products used will be Pindone and 1080.  

Any unconsumed baits and rabbit carcases are collected daily by the specialised contractor and disposed of off-site.

Wyndham City usually undertakes its rabbit control programs in late summer/early autumn which is the optimal time to control rabbits. Wyndham City’s programs are sometimes undertaken throughout the year.  Community notification and signage is part of Wyndham City’s baiting program.

Since Wyndham City first started its rabbit control programs in 2000, there has not been any reported deaths of any other animals, other than rabbits.  Baiting programs include carcass collection and removal, although most poisoned rabbits return to their underground burrows.

It is highly unlikely that your pet dog or cat would be poisoned by Pindone treated baits or affected rabbit carcasses on Wyndham City Council land. This is because Pindone is a slow acting poison that requires multiple doses to affect an animal. These effects are also reversible as there is an antidote, Vitamin K1.  Local vets are informed when baiting will occur so that they maintain supplies of the antidote in the unlikely event that off-target poisoning occurs.

Pindone is used to control rabbits in open areas as the alternative rabbit poison, 1080, is a greater risk to humans and domestic animals as there is no antidote for 1080. Pindone also has a relatively short half-life in the body, which means it should clear quickly from any non-target animal which accidentally ingests a small dose.

To reduce the likelihood of pets or wildlife ingesting the poison, all rabbit carcasses and leftover baits are regularly checked for and removed from site once baiting has commenced.  Monitoring of the sites to remove carcasses continues for two weeks after baits have ceased being laid.

Wyndham City recommends that dog owners keep their dogs on leash during the baiting period, or make use of other parks if concerned about ingestion of poison baits or carcasses.

When Baiting is a component of the Rabbit Control Program:

• 1080: Wyndham City’s specialised contractor will notify all relevant adjoining landowners of the baiting process.

• Pindone: there will be a letter drop notification to adjoining landowners 

When using Pindone, notifications are sent to local veterinary clinics to ensure they have adequate supply of the antidote Vitamin K1.

Wyndham City’s website is updated when required for all rabbit control activities conducted by council

The notification includes the targeted sites, precautionary warnings, site location, timeframes and who to contact for further information. 

Control sites will be appropriately sign posted in accordance with the manufacture’s specifications, and this signage is maintained during the program.

The techniques to control rabbits for rural and urban landowners can differ.  Control options include removing rabbit harbour, fencing and engaging the services of a licenced rabbit control contractor.  
 

Rabbits are declared a pest animal in Victoria under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994. Under this Act, property owners must take reasonable steps to control and, where possible, eradicate pest animals on their land.
 

Responsibility for enforcing this legislation lies with Agriculture Victoria. For detailed information on rabbit impacts and control methods, please visit the Agriculture Vic website.