Pet rabbit owners encouraged to vaccinate against Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus

14th Apr 2026

Northern Tablelands Local Land Services is encouraging local owners of pet rabbits in the Armidale, Guyra, Glen Innes, Deepwater and Tenterfield areas to vaccinate their pets against Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV) this month ahead of a planned release of the RHDV biological control in mid-May as part of a coordinated program to manage wild rabbit populations.
Wild rabbits in the Northern Tablelands have bred rapidly over the past 12 months due to favourable seasonal conditions, and the use of biological controls like RHDV is one method that can assist local landholders to manage rabbits in the local environment. However, to ensure owners of pet rabbits are not adversely affected, Northern Tablelands Local Land Services are encouraging pet rabbit owners to speak to their private veterinarian about vaccination.
RHDV affects only rabbits (Oryctolagus cuninulus) and is not harmful to native animals or domestic pets other than rabbits. RHDV is spread by direct contact between rabbits, by insects (such as fleas and flies) and by predator faeces (cat, dog, and fox).
Anthony Elliott, Senior Biosecurity Officer at Northern Tablelands Local Land Services said that managing wild rabbit populations in the Northern Tablelands is essential to protect local ecosystems, farmland, and native wildlife.
“Wild rabbits are an invasive species in Australia and damage local environments through creating significant grazing pressure, competing with native animals for food and causing erosion and soil loss,” he said. “Landholders are responsible for controlling rabbits on their property as part of their General Biosecurity Duty in NSW.”
“As a precautionary measure, we are encouraging pet rabbit owners in the community to contact their private veterinarian about vaccination to avoid the chance of their rabbit becoming affected”, said Mr Elliott.
For more information about controlling wild rabbits, landholders can access the Local Land Services website and Northern Tablelands Regional Strategic Pest Animal Management Plan 2024-2028. Landholders can contact their local biosecurity officer on 1300 795 299 for advice on how to manage wild rabbits on their property.

Going strong for 100 years

Phone	(02) 6779 2347
Email	Contact Us
Social

Pet rabbit owners encouraged to vaccinate against Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus

Menu

News

Contact