You've probably heard us bang on about prevention over panic in store. This is one of those times we want to give every local rabbit owner a friendly heads up.
In early March 2026, the NSW Government released a control strain of calicivirus (RHDV) across Greater Sydney and surrounding areas to help manage wild rabbit numbers. That's the main reason we're talking about it right now. It's not new, and it's not a cause for alarm, but it does mean there's more virus around than usual, and that's worth knowing if you've got a pet bunny.
It matters whether your rabbit lives outdoors, indoors, or somewhere in between.
A quick refresher
Calicivirus is a virus that affects rabbits. It can hit fast, often without obvious warning signs. It's been in Australia for years, but with the recent release, there's more of it in the local environment right now.
What it means for your rabbit
The release targets wild rabbits, but it does lift how much virus is hanging around in parks, paddocks and bushland for a while. For pet rabbits, that means:
- Wild rabbits can pass it on directly
- It can hitch a ride home on your shoes, hay or hands
- Flies and other insects can spread it too
- Indoor rabbits aren't automatically safe - it can be carried inside
The cooler weather adds a bit of time to that window too, since the virus hangs around longer when it's damp and chilly. So it's important to be vigilant, especially now.
Why we suggesting indoor living right now
For now, we'd keep rabbits inside if you can. It cuts down contact with wild rabbits and flies, and gives you more control over what comes near them.
It lines up nicely with the cooler months too - steadier temperatures, less damp, a cosier setup overall.
The flip side? Indoor bunnies need a bit more to keep them busy.
Keeping indoor bunnies happy
A bored rabbit will find their own fun — usually your skirting boards. Enrichment doesn't need to be fancy, and a good mix of a few different types of toys goes a long way. Here are our go-to categories:
- Wooden Toys — apple wood sticks, chew blocks and gnawing toys. Great for their teeth and keeps those constantly-growing chompers in check.
- Natural Toys — willow balls, seagrass mats and hay-based toys. Safe to chew, fun to toss around, and often double as a snack.
- Tunnels — somewhere to dart into, hide in, or zoom through. A must-have for indoor setups.
- Climbing Toys — ramps, platforms and little perches give them somewhere to explore and a change of scenery.
- Foraging Toys — make them work a little for their pellets or treats. Brilliant for keeping their brain busy.
- Interactive Toys — puzzle feeders and toys that reward a bit of problem-solving. Perfect for the smarter, busier bunnies.
Swap things around every week or two so it stays fresh. And if you've got a bonded pair, you're already halfway there - company is the best enrichment going.
A few winter setup tips
Small tweaks make a big difference as it cools down:
- More hay than you think. Rabbits eat more in winter, and it helps keep them warm from the inside.
- Cosy bedding and hooded hideaways for warmth and a bit of security.
- Deeper bedding so they can burrow in.
- Check for draughts - keep enclosures away from doorways, cold tiles and windows.
- Daily water check so bottles haven't stuck or frozen up.
You don't need to do all of it. Just have a look at your setup and see where the gaps are.
The bit that surprises most owners
A lot of customers reckon this only affects outdoor rabbits. It's just as much about what comes into your rabbit's space:
- Shoes from the park or backyard
- Hay or food that hasn't been stored well
- Flies sneaking in
- Hands, bowls and surfaces that haven't been cleaned
It's not about doing anything wrong. It just isn't always obvious.
What our team usually suggests
When customers ask us what to do, it's pretty simple:
Get the vaccination sorted. Chat to your local vet about RHDV vaccination - it's the best layer of protection there is.
Make the setup easy to clean. A clean enclosure is half the battle.
Keep the flies down. Fly nets, mesh, dry bedding - small things, big difference.
Be choosy with hay and food. Buy from somewhere you trust and store it properly at home.
Wash your hands. Before and after handling. That simple.
From our team to you
We see every day how much these little guys mean to your family.
If you're not sure about your setup, food, or how to look after your bunny right now, pop in and have a chat. We're always happy to talk it through and help you get it sorted.