Calicivirus released at Battery Point, New Town and Sandy Bay

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas) released calicivirus in Battery Point, New Town​ and Sandy Bay this month.

NRE Tas is also planning to release the virus in other locations.

The locations where it will be released have not been made public, as the timing depends on conditions.

However, NRE Tas said calicivirus will not be released at locations where it was released in the past 12 months to reduce the risk of rabbit populations becoming immune to the virus.

The release program aims to control wild rabbit populations.

“Rabbits are considered to be Australia’s most significant invasive pest,” NRE Tas said.

“They impact many landowners, as well as Australia’s threatened species and environments.

“Biosecurity Tasmania will be releasing calicivirus (RHDV1) in Autumn 2026 to help Tasmanian landowners manage rabbit populations.”

But NRE Tas warned that not every rabbit would be eliminated at each release site.

“As a result, it is important that land managers employ other rabbit control methods​ following a knockdown of the rabbit population from a calicivirus release,” it said.

“This will help to both lower numbers as far as possible and prevent reinfestation, reducing the need for repeated control operations.

“Calicivirus is not a poison and is specific to rabbits (and hares).

“There is no risk of calicivirus transferring to other animals or humans.”