The population of rabbits has been increasing continuously in Otago, since the rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) virus made a debut in the year 1997.

This has also been confirmed by Otago Regional Council's annual rabbit survey that most of the areas now boast of rabbits and this number is significantly more than the prescribed limit for rabbit population density.

The increase in the population of rabbits has been attributed mainly to sound breeding conditions and the decreased impact of rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD).

The Otago Regional Council will also be presenting its annual report to a compliance committee. The council has been doing these annual surveys for many years.

In the latest survey, it has been revealed that rabbits are now prevalent in 60,000ha land in Otago. This means that the rabbit population has increased significantly and steps are required to control their population.

The low amount of rainfall is also one of the main reasons for the significant increase in the number of rabbit population across the Otago province.

Many feel that stringent efforts are required to deal with the increasing population of rabbits. Efforts are also being organized for rabbit control in Central Otago and North Otago.

It is expected that a poisoning operation will also be organized in an area covering 1600ha in Taieri hills.

Many farmers are also working hard to contain the increasing rabbit population in Otago province.