05 JUNE 2018
ORC Environmental officers are currently part way through night counts, with approximately 80% of the sites showing a
decrease in rabbit numbers. Reductions are in the range of 0-80% with an average of around 29.9% which is in line with
expectations.
Scott MacLean, Director Environmental Monitoring and Operations at the Otago Regional Council advised “We have 10 rabbit
samples from the field, which have tested positive for RHDV1 K5. This indicates that K5 is active in the wild rabbit
population.”
“If anyone finds a dead rabbit, which is not exhibiting signs of an obvious cause of death, it would be hugely
appreciated if they contact us to let us know”.
ends