Otago's rabbit-poisoning operations have been delayed due to the recent snow and rain storms.
This winter, the biggest poisoning programme in several years was planned, Otago Regional Council senior field adviser Peter Preston said.
The snow had come right at the start of the planned programmes so it was not a critical delay.
''The main issue for us is that it is so wet in South Canterbury they can't dig the carrots out.''
Carrots were used as part of the bait during the poisoning operation.
However, the window for poisoning operations had decreased during the past 10 years, meaning every week was important, he said.
Farmers were anxious to get the programmes done so they could restock their farms in time for spring lambing.
Rabbit numbers were high across the district especially in the traditionally rabbit-prone areas of Central Otago.
The snow was already disappearing from sunny faces and it was not expected to affect rabbit condition to any extent, he said.
''It doesn't affect them at all. We still expect a very good breeding season,'' he said.
