CONTROL OF RABBITS ON MACQUARIE ISLAND BY MYXOMATOSIS

Myxomatosis was successfully introduced into the rabbit population on Macquarie Island in Nov. 1978 and, in the 1st year, reduced rabbit numbers in many areas. The introduction program was facilitated by the development of a new method for field inoculation of rabbits with the virus. To Feb., 1981, success over the whole island had not been achieved, primarily because of irregular distribution of rabbit fleas and the occurrence of rabbits in isolated and sedentary pockets. Continuing the introduction of rabbit fleas and virus should extend the control so far obtained and permit the recovery of important subantarctic plant alliances.