Setting Farmer expectations on RHDV1 K5
The RHD Boost project team and biosecurity officers from the Victorian government have recently been road tripping around Victoria preparing community groups, land managers and farmers for the expected release of RHDV K5, proposed for either Spring 2016 or Autumn 2017, pending approvals.
During their presentations, the team has been reiterating the very important message that the release of this strain of the virus [RHDV1 K5] won’t have the same 90% or more knock down effect, seen in some parts of Australia, as the Czech strain of RHDV1 did when released in 1995.
They are emphasising that a more realistic expectation is a knock down of anywhere between 10-40%, given it is a new strain, rather than a totally new biocontrol agent.
This means that an integrated approach to rabbit management is vital to get the impact required to achieve healthier landscapes and agricultural and environmental benefits.
Find out more about RHDV1 K5 and read the PestSmart Glovebox guide for Managing Rabbits (the guide provides advice on management techniques and tools you can use in conjunction with biocontrol agents to maximise the impact of your rabbit management program).
Image L-R: Dr Tarnya Cox (NSW DPI), John Matthews (VIC DEDJTR), Helen Henderson (PI Landcare), Derek Snowden (BCLN), Sophie Maddigan, Bob (BCLN) and Anna Spiden (3 Creeks LN) - supplied by West Gippsland CMA
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