Rabbit Problems in the UK

Disease & Welfare

Wild rabbits carry two main diseases – Myxomatosis (spread by fleas, slow and distressing) and Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (VHD) (fast-acting, often fatal within 48 hours).
Although these do not affect humans, outbreaks cause severe suffering and spread quickly in large populations. Effective control is far more humane than leaving hundreds of sick animals to die slowly.

Archaeological & Conservation Sites

Rabbit burrowing undermines walls, burial mounds, and historic structures, causing costly and often irreversible damage.
In conservation areas, they graze indiscriminately, destroying rare plants, insect habitats, and food sources for birds of prey. Burrowing also erodes embankments and threatens rare species like solitary bees.

Agriculture & Forestry

• Farmland: Just 7 rabbits can eat the same amount as one sheep. Across the UK, crop losses exceed £100 million per year, making rabbits the number one pest for farmers.

• Forestry & Orchards: Rabbits kill trees by ring-barking and attacking saplings. This weakens woodlands, increases disease, and causes financial loss. Even tree guards aren’t foolproof.

Gardens

Rabbits target valuable plants, lawns, and ornamental trees. They dig holes, leave droppings, and even nest under sheds or decking – sometimes chewing wires, which poses a fire risk. They can also spread disease to unvaccinated pet rabbits.

Livestock & Horses

Burrows on grazing land pose a serious risk of injury – especially broken legs in horses. Lost grazing also forces landowners to buy costly replacement forage.

Industrial & Public Areas

On industrial estates, rabbits tunnel under paths, roads, and buildings, causing erosion, flooding, or even fire by chewing through cables.
On sports grounds and public spaces, burrows increase the risk of accidents, lawsuits, and damage to pitches and equipment.

Railways & Motorways

Steep embankments provide perfect rabbit habitats. Burrowing causes subsidence and tree loss, creating serious safety hazards if left unchecked.

Your Responsibility

Under the Pests Act 1954, most of England is a designated rabbit clearance area.

Landowners must control rabbit populations or prevent them from causing damage to neighbouring land. Failure to act can result in legal action.