The Otago Regional Council has been inundated by requests for assistance from farmers, who are facing the largest increase in rabbit numbers since the rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) virus was introduced in 2007.
However, a shortage of carrots meant "not all requests can be catered for", regional services group manager Jeff Donaldson told the council's compliance committee yesterday.
He told the Otago Daily Times the council had secured 500 tonnes of carrots from South Canterbury, which could cover a rabbit affected area of 5000ha, but it would require a larger amount to satisfy potential demand.
"If everybody comes on board who had a problem we would need 3000 tonnes."
Almost all of the carrot crop had been contracted to packing factories, with the council not ordering large amounts as it operated a user-pays system, he said.
No other vegetable or food item was suitable due to the equipment involved, and so the council was forced to find more carrots to meet demand.
An increasing number of landowners were realising they had a rabbit problem, and they were urged to contact the council as soon as possible, Mr Donaldson said.
Landowners had a small window of opportunity - six weeks - to deal with the rabbit problem, which was more noticeable at this time of year because of the colder weather and shorter grass.
There was also a short period in late summer in which to control population numbers, but those with the greatest problems were urged to get in first.
"Those who can afford to do it, should."
Pest control cost between $40 and $100 a hectare to deliver, depending on the property and how badly it was affected by rabbits.
The latest council survey showed 60,000ha in Otago exceeded the maximum allowable level for rabbits, which have enjoyed a bumper breeding season due to a lack of rain.
Most breaches were in Central Otago, Teviot Valley, Taieri hills, Otago Peninsula, Queenstown Lakes and the Waitaki District.
