P.PSH.1059 - Strengthening the viral rabbit biocontrol pipeline for sustainable long-term rabbit control
European rabbits (Orcyctolagus cuniculus) are Australia’s most damaging vertebrate pest impacting Australia’s biodiversity, agricultural industries and cultural heritage.
| Project start date: | 01 April 2019 |
| Project end date: | 01 November 2025 |
| Publication date: | 12 September 2025 |
| Project status: | Completed |
| Livestock species: | Grain-fed Cattle, Grass-fed Cattle, Sheep, Goat, Lamb |
| Relevant regions: | National |
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Summary
This project addressed a critical gap in Australia’s rabbit biocontrol research by developing medium- to long-term strategies to complement current control methods. It has led to scientific advancements in line with the long-term rabbit biocontrol research and development strategy towards a pipeline of innovative rabbit biocontrol tools ready to deploy in 10- to 15-year intervals. A major breakthrough was the establishment of the world’s first robust cell culture system for the Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV), providing a foundation for developing new virus variants for future rabbit control.
Objectives
The aims of this project were to:
• develop a rabbit organoid platform to support in-vitro replication of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV), continuation of the RHD-Accelerator platform technology aimed at selecting immune escape variants for subsequent virus releases
• investigate unexplained deaths in lagomorphs in Australia and overseas to potentially identify future biocontrol agents or biocides
• undertake work to demonstrate any trace level virus RNA that may be present in non-target scavengers of rabbit to support RHDV2 registration by the APVMA
• commission a modelling study investigating the theoretical feasibility for genetic biocontrol options for rabbits in Australia
• estimate the likely cost-benefit of implementing the proposed long-term rabbit biocontrol pipeline.
Key findings
This project successfully established the world's first cell culture system capable of supporting RHDV replication, paving the way for future work utilising natural selection processes to produce new biocontrol agents. The project also identified the Hepatitis E virus in Australian rabbits and discovered novel hepaciviruses in north American lagomorphs, highlighting the effectiveness of the methodology for this type of bioprospecting. However, none of the viruses identified was deemed a strong candidate for biocontrol. The study also confirmed RHDV2's host specificity, demonstrating that the virus does not infect non-lagomorph species. Furthermore, population-level genomic analysis provided the baseline enabling the identification of potential gene drive targets and laying the groundwork for future genetic biocontrol strategies. Finally, economic modelling demonstrated that investing in new RHDV-based biocontrol agents produced through the RHD-Accelerator platform would likely result in high returns on investment, with an estimated Net Present Value of AUD $1.43 billion over 40 years. Although not without risks, the possibility for repeat applications of the RHD-Accelerator approach and resulting repeated, compounded impact presents additional opportunities to gradually reduce rabbit populations to levels not seen since the introduction of the first rabbit calicivirus in 1996.
Benefits to industry
This project supports the grazing industries by advancing long-term rabbit biocontrol strategies, reducing the impact of this major pest on Australian grazing lands. The development of a culture system for RHDV and the identification of potential gene drive targets pave the way for more effective and sustainable rabbit population management. Additionally, the economic assessment highlights the value of investing in the development of medium- to long-term new biocontrol tools for the industry.
MLA action
MLA continues to engage with industry partners to explore future investments related to long term rabbit biocontrol strategies.
Future research
The project provides a strong business case to continue RHD-accelerator research and leverage the organoid platform to accelerate the natural selection of new virus variants and produce new RHDV-based rabbit biocontrol candidates for potential future registration and release in Australia. A continued watching brief should be kept on any new emerging rabbit pathogens globally, including any new emerging RHDV variants. Strengthening international collaborations will be critical for identifying future potential biocontrol agents outside Australia should these emerge. For longer-term technology-driven biocontrol strategies such as gene drives, preliminary genetic modelling indicates that this approach is theoretically feasible and warrants further investigation. This should include commencing the technical development of gene drives in rabbits, as well as additional modelling that combines genetic, biological and ecological aspects to enhance predictive accuracy of gene drives for rabbit control. For all novel control technologies (viral and genetic), early and ongoing engagement with regulators and policy makers as well as public engagement will be critical to ensure a transparent and responsible translation of these innovative tools for sustainable management of rabbit impacts across Australia.
More information
| Project manager: | Joe Gebbels |
| Contact email: | Reports@mla.com.au |
| Primary researcher: | CSIRO |
