NATSOP-RAB006 National Standard Operating Procedure: Rabbit warren destruction using explosives

Voluntarily adopted by the Vertebrate Pest Committee 2012 with the Invasive Plants and Animals Committee endorsing minor updates September 2017.

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Background

Warren destruction with explosives is used to minimise the impact of the introduced European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) on agricultural production and the environment. Other rabbit control methods include poisoning, warren destruction using ripping, surface harbour removal, shooting, trapping, exclusion fencing and biological control with rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) and myxomatosis.

In many areas of Australia, rabbits depend on warrens for shelter from climatic extremes, predator avoidance and also for successful breeding. Warrens are destroyed using ripping or, in rocky or inaccessible areas, explosives. Since rabbits do not readily dig new warrens, rabbit populations do not persist in areas where warrens are effectively destroyed and re-colonisation is made less likely.

Blasting will be more humane when the number of rabbits in the warren is low and when explosives are applied in a manner that achieves collapse of the whole warren, so that the rabbits are killed quickly. Because blasting gives long term management of rabbit populations the need for repeated control operations is reduced.

Ammonium nitrate mixed with fuel oil (ANFO) is the most commonly used explosive for warren destruction. Explosives are extremely hazardous and should only be used by suitably qualified and accredited operators.

This National Standard Operating Procedure (NATSOP) is a guide only; it does not replace or override the legislation that applies in the relevant state or territory jurisdiction. The NATSOP should only be used subject to the applicable legal requirements (including OH&S) operating in the relevant jurisdiction.

Application

  • Warren blasting should only be used in a strategic manner as part of a co-ordinated program designed to achieve sustained effective control. Reducing and maintaining low rabbit numbers by a combination of control methods over time is more effective than repeated (seasonal) use of a single method.
  • Where warrens are the principal shelter for rabbits, warren destruction is the most cost-effective and most long-lasting method of control. It is a critical component of rabbit control programs especially in extensive areas such as the rangelands.
  • Warren destruction is most effective when rabbit numbers are already low, such as after a baiting program, drought or disease outbreak or at a time when rabbits are not usually breeding. The aim of blasting is to destroy the warren, not to kill large numbers of rabbits.
  • Blasting is used to destroy warrens in areas that are inaccessible to ripping (e.g. rocky areas, under trees, along rivers and in steep sandbanks) and in areas where ripping is undesirable because of the risk of soil erosion. Correct blasting does not leave any craters, but lifts the subsoil and drops it back into place compressing the warren system in the process.
  • In some awkward/inaccessible areas it may be better to use a ripping tine on an excavator (ripper arm) to destroy the warren rather than using explosives.
  • Blasting is relatively expensive; however it does provide long-term control.
  • Blasting has a greater effect on more moist and heavier soils, as gases are less able to escape through the subsoil.
  • It is essential (and a legal requirement) that operators are adequately trained in handling and using explosives and hold the appropriate certificate, licenses or permits. Explosives must also be used in accordance with relevant state, territory and other federal legislation (g. Dangerous Goods Acts and Explosives Acts). See Appendix.
  • Clearing surface harbour such as blackberry stands, hollow logs and rock piles may need to be performed prior to warren destruction to enhance the effectiveness of control programs and to slow re-colonisation.
  • Trained dogs can be used to chase rabbits underground prior to warren ripping. However, it is unacceptable, and possibly illegal, to set a dog onto a rabbit with the intention of catching or killing it.
  • Clearing of native vegetation or disturbance of sites with aboriginal or archaeological significance is subject to compliance with various local, state and federal legislation. If in doubt, always check with the appropriate authority before undertaking warren and harbour destruction programs.

Animal welfare considerations

Impact on target animals

  • Depending on the distance from each blast, rabbits in the warren may be killed or injured by the following:
  • the disruptive effects of the blast on body tissues;
  • burns from the explosive gases produced (can be as high as 3000ºC);
  • injuries caused by fragments of solid material e.g. rock, wood fragments propelled by the blast;
  • injuries and haemorrhages (especially to the lungs) caused by the air blast; and
  • crushing and suffocation from the collapse of the warren.
  • In most cases the time to death is thought to be quick especially when complete destruction of the warren is achieved. Failure to cause complete collapse in deep warren systems may result in some rabbits becoming trapped in partly destroyed tunnels and then slowly asphyxiating. It is essential that the tunnel system is completely destroyed so that the rabbit dies as quickly as possible.
  • It is more humane to perform blasting when rabbit numbers are at their lowest e.g. not breeding, after drought, disease or poison baiting. This means that lower numbers of rabbits will be killed by this relatively inhumane technique.
  • Blasting also affects rabbits that are not inside the warren at the time by removing their protection from extreme heat, cold and predators. Most rabbits that are forced to live above ground after their warren has been destroyed will have little chance of survival.

Impact on non-target animals

  • Warren destruction using explosives can kill animals other than rabbits if they are inside the warren at the time. If a warren appears to be vacated by rabbits and possibly occupied by non-target species (e.g. wombats, snakes, lizards, dingoes), blasting must not be performed.
  • Warren destruction may also have a negative impact on non-target species that use the warren or surrounding harbour, by removing their protection from extreme heat, cold and predators. Harbour such as native vegetation, logs and briars that are used by rabbits may also be an important habitat for native animals including amphibians, reptiles, small mammals and ground-dwelling or ground-feeding birds. The benefit of rabbit harbour removal should be assessed against the risk to native wildlife especially in conservation areas.
  • Non-target native animals that are inadvertently injured or displaced during the blasting or harbour removal procedure should be taken to a registered wildlife carer or veterinarian for assessment.
  • If using dogs to work an area prior to warren destruction, the following should be observed:
  • Dog handlers must be experienced and the dogs well trained i.e. they must be easily controlled by a whistle or call, obey the handlers’ commands and will not chase or attack non-target animals including domestic livestock. Dogs that are deliberately bred or trained to attack without provocation must not be used. Suitable breeds would include terriers, labradors and others that are keen to chase but unlikely to catch a rabbit.
  • Handlers must not encourage dogs to attack and kill rabbits.
  • Rabbits trapped in hollow logs etc. (where they are visible but the dogs can’t access them) should be shot (refer to NATSOP-RAB008 National Standard Operating Procedure: Ground shooting of rabbits).
  • Rabbits caught by dogs should be killed by a shot to the brain or by cervical dislocation.
  • Rabbits should never be left to die a slow death after being maimed.
  • Ensure that small dogs are not inside the warren before blasting takes place. They should be well restrained during blasting operations to prevent them from entering the warren.
  • For more details refer to NATSOP-GEN002 National Standard Operating Procedure: The safety and welfare of working dogs used in pest animal control.

Health and safety considerations

  • There are extreme hazards associated with the use of ANFO requiring stringent OH&S procedures. Detonation may occur from heavy impact or excessive heating, particularly under confinement. Avoid all contact with other chemicals.
  • Strictly observe the manufacturer’s storing and handling recommendations.
  • Always observe the recommended weights of explosives when setting up charges and never use less than the minimum length of safety fuse as set out in the relevant legislation for explosive use.
  • Appropriate personal protective equipment, including long trousers, boots, helmet and a face mask or safety glasses must be worn.
  • Always crimp a detonator to fuse with special crimping pliers.
  • Do not leave explosives where they can be hit by flying fragments.
  • All persons, animals and vehicles should be well out of range of flying fragments. Debris can be thrown up to 350 metres.
  • Blasting produces oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. Exposure to these fumes may induce methaemoglobinaemia which causes hypoxia and cyanosis. Take care not to return to the site until fumes have settled. If fumes or combustion products are inhaled, transport the affected person to hospital or a doctor.
  • Further information on ANFO can be obtained from the material safety data sheet (MSDS) available from the supplier. Information on occupational health and safety aspects of using explosives can be obtained from the relevant State or Territory authority.

Equipment required

  • 500 gram charges of ammonium nitrate mixed with fuel oil (ANFO).
  • 50 mm hand auger for boring holes (if using borehole method).
  • Crimping pliers for crimping detonator to fuse.

Procedures

Assessment of site and estimation of rabbit numbers

  • To maximise effect on rabbit populations, a careful on-site risk assessment should be undertaken. Map the location of all warrens, take note of surface harbour and topographic features. For large areas, experienced spotters on motorbikes can be used to log the location of warrens using GPS before warren destruction commences.
  • The density of rabbits on the site should be estimated using spotlight counts and warren monitoring. The location and numbers of rabbits on neighbouring properties should also be approximated. If the density of rabbits is high it is best to poison or fumigate beforehand so that few rabbits are left.
  • If it is suspected that native wildlife are using the warren, their presence can be determined by using sand pads – a 1m2 area of raked earth or sand outside of the warren entrance- to detect and identify footprints.
  • Contact your vertebrate pest control local authority for more information and advice on site assessment and monitoring of rabbit numbers.

Blasting procedure

  • Clear warrens of loose logs, rocks, woody weeds and large shrubs etc. Take care not to endanger any native wildlife that may be using the harbour.
  • All warrens with open entrances should be destroyed even if they are not currently active.
  • It is important to drive any rabbits in the area underground before blasting takes place. This can be achieved by making loud noises or using dogs to work the area, chasing the rabbits into the warrens. Most rabbits will be underground during the middle of the day especially when the weather is hot.
  • There are two main ways of applying explosives to warrens:

Borehole method

  • Involves inserting charges into holes strategically bored across the warren.
  • With this method the force of the explosion is well below ground and there is limited disturbance to the surface. This gives a better collapse of the warren and reduced the likelihood of forming craters.
  • Holes are bored using a 50mm diameter auger. The best depth and spacing for borehole charging will depend on warren depth, soil type and amount and type of surrounding vegetation.

Burrow entrance method

  • Involves inserting charges down burrow entrances.
  • Recommended for deep burrows (>1 metre deep) or in situations where holes cannot be augured easily for the borehole method.
  • This method is more likely to lead to the formation of craters, which may cause erosion and could encourage re-colonisation by rabbits.
  • The charges are positioned as far down the burrow as possible, using a shovel handle or a long stick.

When the charges are positioned, the bore holes or burrow entrances should be backfilled with sand or soil and well compacted to stop blow out and maximise blast effectiveness. Charges for each warren are then connected by detonating cord trunkline and fired simultaneously using a plain detonator and safety fuse.

Assessing effectiveness

  • The effectiveness of warren blasting should be monitored by noting the presence of re-opened entrances 2-3 days after treatment. Any re-openings can be treated using further blasting or fumigation.

Procedural notes

More detailed information on warren destruction using ripping can be found in various state guidelines (e.g. vertebrate pest control manuals, Landcare Notes, Farmnotes etc.).

References

  1. Anon. (1999). Threat abatement plan for competition and land degradation by feral rabbits. Biodiversity Group, Environment Australia.
  2. Anon. (2004). Vertebrate Pest Control Manual. Agricultural Protection Program. NSW Agriculture.
  3. Barnes, A.D. (1994). Explosives for destroying rabbit warrens. Agfact A9.0.8. Department of Agriculture, New South Wales.
  4. Bloomfield, T. and Cummings D. (2003). Rabbits: Warren destruction and harbour management. Landcare Notes LC0297. Department of Sustainability and Environment, Victoria.
  5. Bruce, J. (2002). Destroying rabbit warrens using explosives. Farmnote 27/2002. Department of Agriculture, Western Australia.
  6. Dobbie, W. (1997). Rabbit control in Central Australia: A guide for landholders. Centralian Land Management Association, Alice Springs.
  7. Hart, Q. (ed.) (2003). Conventional rabbit control: Costs and tips. Bureau of Rural Sciences. Big Island Graphics.
  8. Linton, V. and Cook, B. (2001). Warren destruction. Fact Sheet, Rangelands Note. Primary Industries and Resources, South Australia.
  9. Mason, J. K. and Purdue, B. N. (eds.) (2000). The pathology of trauma. 3rd edition. Arnold, London.
  10. Williams, K., Parer, I., Coman, B., Burley, J and Braysher, M. (1995). Managing vertebrate pests: rabbits. Australian Government Publishing Service, Canberra.

Appendix

Relevant federal, state and territory legislation for the use of explosives

Federal

Explosives Act 1961      

Explosives Regulations

Australian Explosives Code

Australian Dangerous Goods Code

Australian Capital Territory

Dangerous Substances Act 2004

Dangerous Substances (Explosives) Regulations 2004

New South Wales

Explosives Act 2003

Dangerous Goods (General) Regulation 1999

Northern Territory

Dangerous Goods Act    

Dangerous Goods Regulations

Queensland

Explosives Act 1999

Explosives Regulation 2003

South Australia

Explosives Act 1936

Explosives Regulations 1996

Tasmania

Dangerous Goods Act 1998

Dangerous Goods (General) Regulations 1998

Victoria

Dangerous Goods Act 1985

Dangerous Goods (Explosives) Regulations 1988

Western Australia

Explosives and Dangerous Goods Act 1961

Explosives and Dangerous Goods Regulations 1963

Other relevant legislation

Occupational Health and Safety Acts

A range of standards and codes of practice are referenced to in the relevant legislation. These provide specific details which must be complied with to meet minimum safety requirements.

The Centre for Invasive Species Solutions manages these documents on behalf of the Invasive Plants and Animals Committee (IPAC), and has reformatted these in accordance with IPAC meeting no 9, agenda item 3.5. The authors of these documents have taken care to validate the accuracy of the information at the time of writing [June, 2012]. This information has been prepared with care but it is provided “as is”, without warranty of any kind, to the extent permitted by law.

The Centre for Invasive Species Solutions manages these documents on behalf of the Environment and Invasives Committee (EIC). The authors of these documents have taken care to validate the accuracy of the information at the time of writing. This information has been prepared with care but it is provided “as is”, without warranty of any kind, to the extent permitted by law.

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How to reference this page:

Sharp T (2012) NATSOP-RAB006 National Standard Operating Procedure: Rabbit warren destruction using explosives. PestSmart website. https://pestsmart.org.au/toolkit-resource/rabbit-warren-destruction-using-explosives accessed 15-10-2024

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