Rabbit numbers are increasing around Otago - even in areas not previously known for the problem - and farmers have to be more aware of the need for more control, Otago regional councillors say.
An update of the council's pest management project on rabbits was provided to councillors at a compliance committee meeting this week.
Council compliance manager Martin King said in a report to the committee inspections at the Pigroot in North Otago, St Bathans, Queensberry and Luggate had found breaches of the council's rabbit levels.
Landowners had been approached or were planning poison programmes for this winter.
Cr Stephen Woodhead said rabbit numbers in South Otago appeared to be at their highest in 15 years.
"Most farmers have not done any rabbit control of any significance in a long time, but that could come back and bite quite seriously."
There needed to be an awareness that the rabbit-killing haemorrhagic disease (RHD) was becoming less effective and all landowners now had to do something about rabbit control, he said.
Cr Gerry Eckhoff said there was a wide appreciation of the problem in Central Otago.
"There is an increase and the understanding is the virus is simply not doing its job."
He hoped with lamb prices increasing, farmers would prioritise discretionary spending towards poison control.
Chairman Stephen Cairns said the council had ensured there was sufficient carrot tonnage available for farmers to undertake poisoning programmes.
