To make reporting on the upcoming RHDV1 K5 release more efficient, we have added additional reporting functions into RabbitScan, which is available as both a free smartphone app and a desktop function on the RabbitScan website. The additional reporting function allows release site participants to upload their spotlight count data, and allows all users to report on disease activity and submit samples for analysis. 

You can upload the app via Apple or Google Play stores.
Or if you already have the app, be sure to update it through the respective app store.

The research team wants to ensure that the new functions are easy to understand, easy to use and give you, as the user, information which is valuable for your management planning. 

How can you help?  There are two functions to test. 

1) Submitting spotlight data. 

While anyone can undertake this testing, we would particularly like all those who expressed interest in being involved in the release of RHDV1 K5 to test this function.  To do this we would like you to conduct spotlight counts during the month of August.  This way you can familiarise yourself with this feature as well as allow our team to make further improvements before the RHDV1 K5 release if required.  

Spotlight counts can be done from a vehicle or on foot using either a handheld spotlight or powerful torch. If using a vehicle, spotlight counts should be done while travelling at uniform speed (10–15 km/hr). Both driven and walked spotlight counts need to be undertaken over a predetermined path.  The path should cover various parts of your property or area, not just where rabbits are known to be. Counts are best performed early in the evening, usually 40 minutes after sunset. The spotlight/torch should be swept from side to side (a 180 degree sweep) and all rabbits seen should be counted.  The same person should conduct the count in the same manner (walked or driven) over the same path each time.

Once the counts have been conducted undertake the following:

• Open the FeralScan application on your phone and click on the Rabbit icon.
• From there you are given two options: ‘Record Rabbits’ and ‘Report Disease’.
• Select ‘Record Rabbits’ and 'Enter Sighting'. 
• When asked if this is an official RHDV1 K5 release site, please select YES if this applies. 
• Please enter your full name in the site number field and enter your spotlight counts under the 'Rabbit Sighting' tab.

Please download the free app prior to your spotlight count. The app will not only record your precise GPS location, but will allow you to enter data while in the paddock.

2) Recording any dead rabbits you may find, and, if you like, submit samples for testing. 

Again, this will allow you to become familiar with this feature and for us to make any improvements before the proposed release of RHDV1 K5. This reporting function is available to everyone and you don't need to be a registered site to report evidence of disease. If you happen to find dead rabbits you can report this and request a sample kit from the ‘Report Disease’ option. If you request a sample kit, please label and store the sample or rabbit in a freezer until your sample kit and instructions arrive in the post (instructions are also available within the app and on the website).

If in an area without mobile reception, the app will automatically store the information on your phone into the ‘Pending’ folder. When you are back in range, please open this folder and submit your record(s). Alternatively, if you do not have a mobile phone, please enter your data from your desktop computer by following the web address www.rabbitscan.org.au and click on 'Report Disease' and login to report evidence of disease.

If you have any questions or need further information about the above - simply reply back to this email.