Strategic Optimisation of Rabbit Biocontrol

The project aims to strengthen the pipeline of new rabbit biocontrol from within Australia and internationally. It will determine the diversity and distribution of rabbit haemorrhagic disease viruses (RHDVs). It will use genetic and functional studies of viral recombinants to assess which viral genes account for high levels of virulence and successful transmission in the field; this will inform the selection of possible future RHDV2 products. The project will use the best knowledge available to develop updated best practice recommendations for where, when and which strain of RHDV to release to maximise viral genetic diversity.