CSIRO scientists have confirmed the first pest rabbits in Victoria to die from the newly released Korean strain of calicivirus, known as RHDV1 K5.
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Two dead rabbits were found near a release site at Tanybryn near Apollo Bay, while one other was found near a release site at Kaniva in western Victoria.
The result, announced last week, came just two weeks after the release of RHDV1 K5 by community groups and land managers at 150 sites across Victoria as part of a national program.
Agriculture Victoria rabbit biosecurity manager John Matthews said the result confirmed that RHDV1 K5 was starting to work in Victoria. Mr Matthews said it was important to continue with other rabbit control techniques to take advantage of the virus’s impact.