The European Rabbit Flea, Spilopsyllus Cuniculi, in South-Western Australia.

Abstract

Spilopsyllus cuniculi, a vector of myxomatosis, was introduced by various methods at several sites in the south-west of Western Australia in May 1969 for the biological control of rabbits. It spread rapidly and within 14 months all rabbits collected within about 5 km of one of the release sites were infested with fleas. Further introductions of the flea during the past decade have resulted in a wide distribution for it throughout the south-west of the state. Flea numbers fluctuate seasonally and are highest in reproductively active female rabbits in winter and spring. Since the introductions of the flea, the timing of epizootics of myxomatosis has changed and their effect on rabbit populations has increased.