IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR PET RABBIT OWNERS FROM THE NZ VETERINARY ASSOCIATION
Do you have a pet rabbit?
Do you know about RHDV1-K5?
Pet rabbits in New Zealand have been living with the risk of disease since the rabbit calicivirus was illegally released in 1997. The new strain set to be released in Autumn 2018 is just as deadly to pet rabbits as the existing strain. However, there may be an increase in cases among the wild rabbit population therefore increasing the possibility of exposure of the virus to pet rabbits.
Pet owners should ensure that they continue to take all available measures to protect their pet rabbits, particularly in areas that are close to populations of wild rabbits.
What can be done to protect pet rabbits against RHDV1-K5?
Rabbits should be vaccinated from 10 to 12 weeks of age, and boosters given according to your veterinarian's recommendation to ensure ongoing protection.
We also recommend the following biosecurity measures for pet rabbit owners:
* Control insects (especially flies and fleas) as much as possible both indoors and outdoors. Flies are the main vector through which the virus is spread.
* Remove uneaten food on a daily basis.
* Keep your pet rabbit indoors where possible.
* Rabbit-proof your backyard to prevent access by wild rabbits
* Regularly decontaminate equipment and materials (e.g. cages, hutches, bowls) with either 10% bleach or 10% sodium hydroxide. 10 minutes' contact time is required, then rinse off.
* Limit contact with and handling of unfamiliar pet rabbits.
* Use good biosecurity measures (e.g. wash hands, shoes, clothing) after handling other people’s rabbits.
* Avoid cutting grass and feeding it to your rabbits if there is the risk of contamination from wild rabbits.
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QUESTION:
Wainuiomata, being fairly rural (ie: Moores Valley, Coast Road) and having a large scenic reserve in Homedale, would have a fairly substantial wild rabbit population. It also has a fairly substantial domestic pet rabbit population. I would like to know if this virus is going to be released in Wainuiomata and, if it is, where specifically?
Poll: If we want to reduce speeding, what do you think actually changes driver behaviour? 🛻🚨🚓
In the Post's article on speeding penalties, the question is asked whether speeding fines are truly about road safety, or are they just a way to boost revenue for the Crown?
What do you think? Should speeding motorists receive speeding fines or demerit points?
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32.1% The sting of a fine (Money talks!)
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67.9% The threat of demerit points (Nobody wants to lose their license!)
Poll: Are you still heading to your local for your caffeine fix, or has the $$ changed your habits? ☕
Wellington’s identity is built on its cafe culture, but with costs climbing, that culture is under pressure. We’ve seen the headlines about recent closures, and it’s a tough pill to swallow along with a $6+ coffee.
We all want our favourite spots to stay open, but we also have to balance our own budgets ⚖️
We want to know: How are you handling the "coffee math" in 2026? Are you still heading to your local for a chat and a caffeine fix, or has the cost of living changed your habits?
Keen to read more about "coffee math"? The Post has you covered.
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45.9% I avoid spending money on coffee
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44.7% I still indulge at my local cafe
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9.3% Irrelevant - coffee is not for me
Share your favourite main crop potato recipe and win a copy of our mag!
Love potatoes? We will give away free copies of the May 2026 issue to readers whose potato recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite way to enjoy potatoes: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by March 1, 2026.
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