Drought support for rabbit control – May 2025

New drought funding is available to help Eyre Peninsula landholders with rabbit control.

In partnership with the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), the National Rabbit Coordinator and Rabbit Free Australia, the Eyre Peninsula Landscape Board is offering a range of fully-funded rabbit control options, funded by the South Australian government’s $73 million Drought Support Package.

Control options available to farmers include:

• Free warren ripping – completed by a contractor or by the landholder (with reimbursement available for labour/time).
• Free 1080 oat bait, to be laid in accordance with label directions, either before and/or after warren ripping.
• Free calicivirus (RHDV1 K5) release in areas where rabbit populations remain susceptible.

The program is initially offering support to farmers in the worst drought impacted parts of Eyre Peninsula - see map below with eligible areas highlighted in red. Over the past 12 months, those areas have experienced some of the lowest rainfalls on record.

To get involved, Eyre Peninsula farmers should get in touch with their nearest landscape board office and register their interest.