Farmers issue urgent warning as rapidly spreading creatures wreak havoc: 'This is a national problem'

Farmers in Western Australia have reported a drastic increase in rabbit populations, with landowners saying numbers are higher than previously seen and at least one farmer reporting rabbits wiping out grain crops. Jack Gough, chief executive of the Invasive Species Council, warned the federal government that the influx is creating havoc for farmers and landowners and urged investment in new biological controls. Gough said the issue is national and not limited to WA. The boom threatens native biodiversity — at least 300 already endangered native species are at risk — and undermines food security by reducing crop yields. Past control via calicivirus no longer appears effective. Federal agriculture minister Julie Collins said the government is investing $1.2 million under the Supporting Communities Manage Pest Animals and Weeds Program to support rabbit control projects, improve control tools, and build coordinated management capacity.