Red Card for Foxes, Cats and Rabbits

RHDV1K5 - Permit to release
In order to use RHDV1-K5, you need to be accredited.  This accreditation is managed by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

Stage 1 - Complete the online Quiz
To do this create a login and complete and follow the instructions.

Go to quiz login page

Instructions  

·        You will need to create a user account—remember your username and password!
·        An email will be sent to your nominated email address
·        Read the email and click on the link provided
·        Clicking on the link will confirm your account and you will be logged in
·        Select the course for RHDV1-K5 training
·        You may be prompted for an enrollment key, which should have also been emailed to you
·        You then have full access to the course.

Stage 2 - Complete the course to receive your certificate

Stage 3 - Contact the supplier in the Eastern States (name and contact details provided in course materials) to order your RHDV1-K5 vials.

RHDV1-K5 arrives as a freeze dried suspension..

  • The freeze dried virus can be stored form 4-8 degrees celsius for up to 12 months in the fridge
  • Once reconstituted, the virus may be stored at 4 degrees celsius for no more than 24hrs before use
  • Do not refreeze
  • Lay bait mixed with virus as soon as possible after preparation
  • RHDV1-K5 will only affect European Rabbits.
  • Animals that may consume a rabbit that is sick or deceased from RHDV1-K5 will NOT be affected.

Stage 4 - Control rabbits at appropriate times of year, with either oats or carrots.

About the Calicivirus

Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) is very infectious ad usually fatal pathogen that leads to the death of European Rabbits. All breeds of rabbits in Australia come from the European rabbit and are therefore vulnerable to the virus. There is a vaccine available to protect pet and farmed rabbits, from your local vet.

Once the virus has infected the rabbit, it copies itself rapidly in the rabbit's liver. The rabbit usually dies within three days of infection. Rabbits younger than 12 weeks often do not succumb to RHDV but older rabbits are highly susceptible. Rabbits that have developed immunity to Czech v351 RHDV strain may be more vulnerable to RHDV1-K5.

To minimise development of resistance to RHDV1-K5 and ensure maximum rabbit control, treatment of a population of rabbits with a high proportion of those under 12 weeks of age should be avoided.

For more information, see the Fact Sheet on Rabbit Biocontrol.