Feral and pest animals

Feral and Pest Animals

Are animals that occur beyond their natural range and have the potential to impact economic, environmental and/or social values. The objective for managing the majority of established feral animals is to reduce the damage caused by pest species in the most cost-effective manner.

Under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 landowners are responsible for controlling pest animals on their property. As with a noxious weed, penalties can apply if they are not appropriately managed. There are many different control methods for each pest species. It is best to research the different methods that can be applied and to verify their legality.

For advice on your options you can contact the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning on 136 186 or visit the DELWP website.

Rabbit Calicivirus

A new strain of the rabbit calicivirus called Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus, K5 (referred to as RHDV1 K5 or simply 'K5'), was released in Victoria in March 2017 to help land owners control pest rabbits.

Pet rabbit owners should make sure animals’ vaccinations are up-to-date to protect against the virus. Other precautions that will help protect pet rabbits include:

  • Prevent contact with pest rabbits.
  • Don’t cut grass from areas where pest rabbits may be foraging and feed it to pet rabbits.
  • Wash hands with warm soapy water between handling rabbits.
  • Insect proof the hutch with fly and mosquito-proof wire or keep pet rabbits indoors.

For any further information please visit http://www.ava.com.au/rabbit-calicivirus

Back to top