VICTORIAN landowners are encouraged to begin preparing for the arrival of the new calicivirus strain called Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus K5 (referred to as RHDV K5 or simply ‘K5’), in spring this year or autumn 2017.
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Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources (DEDJTR) rabbit specialist John Matthews said the new strain was a great opportunity for farmers to control rabbits but warned them not to stop their annual conventional control programs against rabbits.
“K5 is a strain of the existing RHD virus already established and widespread in Australia and is predicted to yield better results in cooler-wetter regions, such as Victoria, where the current strain hasn’t been so successful,” Mr Matthews said.