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Dealing with the underground enemy

Rabbits are now beginning to appear across the region and warm spring days herald their antics around warrens or in cover afforded by weeds like Boxthorn.

By Department of Primary Industries - 8th October 2003 - Back to News

DPI Pest Plant and Program Leader for Gippsland, Stefan Kaiser said that recent surveys conducted across Gippsland as part of a state-wide monitoring program have indicated that while vigilance by land managers and DPI staff has paid off, pockets of rabbits still remain.

A recent survey conducted by DPI indicated that there are still many people who have a rabbit problem but are not conducting effective control programs. In Gippsland this remains a concern and increased efforts are required.

Rabbits are now cleaning out warrens and breeding will have commenced. Gestation takes about 28 days and some females can breed as many as seven times per year.

The first sign of young rabbits sitting in the warm sun late in October will see their emergence onto your land, eating into grazing profits or adding to your feed bills.

Mr Kaiser said that most people think about rabbit control at the time of loss or when their presence is most unwanted. Rabbits not only eat pastures, crops and vegetables, but regularly destroy newly planted trees and gardens or undermine structures. Will your efforts be at the last minute?

Many people look for the quick fix program and rely on poisoning. While poisoning has been seen as a method that kills rabbits quickly, it can become simply a pruning program. Harbour destruction, integrated into a whole property plan has led to many farmers engaging a routine follow-up program that commands little effort.

Reliance on viruses as a method to fix your rabbits is likely to lead to disappointment as seasonal variability and other factors impact on local effect.

DPI staff are happy to work with any landholder groups to develop a works program that meets individual needs. Early commencement is encouraged and you can contact your nearest DSE/DPI office to arrange a visit.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com