Rabbits

Wild rabbits

The European rabbit is a declared pest species in South Australia. Landholders have a legal responsibility to control rabbit populations on their land.

Read more information on managing wild rabbits:

Contact the landscape board in your region to find rabbit control contacts and programmes specific to your area.

Pet rabbits

South Australian rabbit owners and breeders should be aware of the serious diseases that can affect their rabbits. Rabbits can become infected with:

Rabbit disease is mainly transmitted by flies and mosquitoes. Disease can also be spread through direct contact between rabbits, contaminated equipment, and food.

If you suspect a domestic rabbit has died from calicivirus or myxomatosis, report the suspected disease and request a free test at PestSmart.

Disease prevention

To provide some protection against disease:

  • prevent direct and indirect contact between pet rabbits and wild rabbits
  • keep farmed and pet rabbits in insect proof enclosures as much as possible
  • avoid feeding cut grass or vegetation to pet rabbits if there is a risk of contamination by wild rabbits
  • regularly decontaminate equipment and materials including cages, hutches, bowls etc., with either 10% bleach or 10% sodium hydroxide
  • control insects, especially flies and mosquitoes
  • minimise exposure between unknown rabbits
  • practice good hygiene after handling rabbits
  • keep vaccinations up-to-date.

No vaccines for myxomatosis are currently registered for use in Australia, but other preventative measures can be taken.

More information

Contact your local veterinary clinic or veterinarian for information and advice on vaccinating your rabbit and rabbit health.

Page last reviewed: 09 Aug 2022

 


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