The proposed release of another lethal rabbit virus in Australia threatens not only wild rabbit populations but also domestic rabbits, companion animals, and the broader ecosystem. Hop to Save Rabbits strongly opposes the use of biological control measures such as Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV) and Myxomatosis, which have proven to be short-term, cruel, and ultimately ineffective.
For over a century, Australia has resorted to mass killing strategies to manage rabbit populations, yet history has repeatedly shown that these methods fail to provide long-term control. Rabbit populations eventually develop resistance, leading to costly, repeated virus releases that create suffering without solving the problem. The consequences are far-reaching, including the risk of virus spillover to pet and sanctuary rabbits, severe ecological imbalances, and ongoing ethical concerns surrounding the deliberate spread of disease.
A Humane Future: Non-Lethal Alternatives Exist
Instead of repeating the failures of the past, Australia must adopt forward-thinking, science-backed solutions that offer sustainable and ethical rabbit population management. Hop to Save Rabbits urges policymakers to invest in humane alternatives, including:
✅ Immunocontraceptive Bait: Fertility control methods like GonaCon™ have shown promise in wildlife management, offering a non-lethal and long-term solution to rabbit overpopulation. By reducing fertility rather than killing, these methods prevent the endless cycle of virus resistance and reinfection.
✅ Genetic Population Control (Gene Drive Technology): Advances in genetic research could allow for the natural suppression of rabbit populations without the need for mass culling. While still in development, this method has the potential to be a game-changer for wildlife management.
✅ Habitat Management & Natural Predation: Protecting and restoring native predator populations, such as birds of prey and dingoes, alongside habitat modification strategies, can naturally regulate rabbit numbers without resorting to mass killing.
A Call for Ethical Leadership
Australia has the opportunity to lead the world in humane wildlife management. Hop to Save Rabbits urges the government to halt the release of new lethal rabbit viruses and instead invest in research and implementation of non-lethal, science-based solutions.
“Releasing another virus is a temporary fix that will only perpetuate suffering. The time for real innovation is now,” says Hop to Save Rabbits. “We call on the government to fund and prioritise humane, sustainable rabbit control methods that do not rely on cruelty.”
Protecting Domestic Rabbits from Virus Releases
Past virus releases have devastated domestic rabbit populations, with pets and sanctuary animals suffering painful deaths despite vaccination efforts. The lack of sufficient public awareness and preventive measures puts thousands of companion rabbits at risk whenever a new virus is introduced. Hop to Save Rabbits demands transparency and stronger protections for domestic rabbits, including increased availability of vaccines, public information campaigns, and stricter biosecurity regulations.
Join the Movement for Change
Hop to Save Rabbits is calling on concerned citizens, rabbit guardians, veterinarians, and ethical wildlife advocates to stand against the proposed virus release. We encourage the public to reach out to their representatives, sign petitions, and support research into humane alternatives.