Our country is home to a diverse array of plants, animals, insects, and ecosystems, many of which support thriving primary industries. By working with regional councils and other agencies, we can manage pests that pose a threat to this biodiversity – like rabbits, Chilean needle grass, American foulbrood, and Canada geese.
Rabbits are a problem throughout New Zealand.
Rabbits can increase in number quickly and form large populations. When in large numbers, they cause significant problems to the environment by:
Where rabbits are not controlled and numbers are able to get high, it becomes expensive and labour-intensive to get them under control. It has been previously estimated that rabbits cost New Zealand over $50 million in lost production, plus a further $25 million in direct pest control a year.
There has been a number of different rabbit management programmes over the years since the mid-1800s, when rabbits became a problem in the wild. Control of rabbits as at 2023 is the responsibility of individual landowners. In most regions, particularly those with dry rabbit-prone areas, there are regional rules for controlling rabbits on properties that landowners must follow to help keep rabbit numbers under control. These rules are managed by the regional council or unitary authority in each region and are published in their regional pest management plan. Each region manages rabbits differently, depending how significant they are seen as a pest.
The biosecurity team at your regional or unitary council will be able to provide advice on controlling rabbits on your property and the rules for managing rabbits in your region.
Regional council pest management plans – Bionet
Good practice guidelines for pest rabbit monitoring and control – Bionet
MPI's role in rabbit management is mainly to help regional councils manage rabbits in their regions by ensuring there is appropriate national legislation in place and supporting collaborative management programmes where appropriate.
Rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHDV) is a virus that infects only lagomorphs (rabbits and some strains will infect hares). It is not a virus that jumps between animal species. Rabbits contract the virus from direct contact with other rabbits or indirectly through blood, urine, faeces, and insects such as flies.
In 1997, RHDV1 Czechoslovakia virus strain was imported and spread illegally in New Zealand after a formal application to import the virus was declined. The application was declined due to the poor understanding of the disease's epidemiology, effectiveness of the virus and management concerns at that time.
1997 decision on the application to approve the importation of rabbit calicivirus [PDF, 2.1 MB]
The impact of the initial release of RHDV1 in 1997 was significant. Within a year, the virus had spread to most parts of New Zealand, and it caused a sharp decline in the rabbit population in most areas. The estimated mortality rate was around 90% to 95% in some affected areas.
In some areas, such as Marlborough, the rabbits have managed to remain in relative low numbers, with only some smaller hot spots still present. However, there has been an increase in the number of rabbits in many of the dry rabbit-prone areas once again, such as Central Otago.
In response to the increasing numbers, Environment Canterbury along with other stakeholders including MPI, as part of a national Rabbit Coordination Group, made an application in 2017 to release the Korean strain of RHDV (RHDV1-K5). The RHDV1-K5 strain was chosen because it was expected to overcome the resistance that some rabbit populations had developed against the original RHDV1 Czechoslovakia virus strain. There was expected to be about a 20% decline in the population and would be used as a tool along with other control tools to help reduce rabbit numbers.
In 2018, the RHDV-K5 strain was legally imported and released across several regions of the country. There were mixed results from the release – some areas had better results than others.
EPA decision for the 2017 application for RHDV1-K5
ACVM decision to approve RHDV1-K5 [PDF, 245 KB]
More information about RHDV1-K5 application
Results of the RHDV1-K5 release and post-release monitoring – Environment Canterbury
Map of some monitoring of the virus strains post-release – Landcare Research
During the post-release monitoring of RHDV1-K5 it was discovered that there was also another RHDV strain within the wild population, RHDV2. It is unsure how this strain arrived or how long it has been in New Zealand. All RHDV strains have now been found through most of New Zealand.
The virus has continued to spread and impact rabbit populations. The effectiveness of the virus can vary depending on factors such as the presence of resistant rabbit strains, the level of immunity developed by the rabbits and other environmental factors.
The virus is not monitored throughout New Zealand but some regional councils may still do monitoring. The virus, including all of its strains, is classed as an unwanted organism. That means there is a requirement to obtain an approval from MPI to transport, propagate, and spread any virus strain in New Zealand under sections 52 and 53 of the Biosecurity Act 1996.
The RHDV virus strains are well established and widespread throughout New Zealand. The virus can be spread through direct contact of infected rabbits or indirectly through infected faeces and bodily fluids. It can also be transferred from flies and other insects. Therefore, any pet rabbit can be at risk of contracting the virus. There are vaccinations available for pet rabbits which covers all the RHDV viruses known to be in New Zealand. Veterinary clinics will be able to administer those vaccinations.
More information for pet rabbit owners – NZ Veterinary Association
The current state of rabbit management in New Zealand (2009) [PDF, 3.2 MB]
Plan of action to improve rabbit management (2010) [PDF, 71 KB]
For any rabbit problems or control in your local area, contact the biosecurity team at your regional or unitary council for advice.
If you have any other queries:
This weed can impact farm production and livestock.
Chilean needle grass is an invasive tussock weed that's found throughout Marlborough and Hawke's Bay. It's also been found in some parts of Canterbury. This weed:
It's up to councils to manage Chilean needle grass – they're in charge of control, regulations and informing farm owners.
American foulbrood is a bacterial disease present throughout New Zealand. It's under a national control programme to prevent it from damaging the beekeeping industry. This disease:
Apiculture New Zealand developed the American foulbrood national pest management plan, and continues to fund the strategy.
These birds can be a nuisance and are not protected.
Canada geese were introduced into New Zealand as a recreational hunting resource in the late 1800s. The birds increased quickly in number and became well established in most areas of the South Island. In the North Island, Canada geese numbers were initially low, with introductions occurring as late as 1970. In subsequent years, birds became widespread and established in both islands.
Canada geese:
Canada geese have been under a mix of protection and management programmes since the early 1900s. In 2011, the Department of Conservation (DOC) made the decision to remove Canada geese from management under the Wildlife Act 1953. This means that the bird is now unprotected and management can occur by any landowner, land occupier, or organisation as is necessary. Canada geese can also be added to regional pest management plans if it meets the requirements under the Biosecurity Act 1993 and associated guideline documents.
Council pest management plans – Bionet
In recent years, there has been some concern of the increase of Canada geese and their impacts on the environment. MPI is working with regional councils and other stakeholders to further understand the issues and impacts caused by Canada geese in New Zealand.
Change to protection status of Canada geese – DOC
If you have questions about the information on this page, email info@mpi.govt.nz
MPI uses cookies to improve your experience on our site. By using our website, you accept our use of cookies.