VIRUS warfare has been unleashed on the rabbit population at Longford's Mill Dam.
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The release of rabbit calicivirus was supported by the Northern Midlands Council last month.
However, Longford resident Ray Bean said the virus had already been spread before the council's endorsement.
"Some weeks ago a notice on a tree at the Mill Dam said it was going to happen, since then no rabbits have been seen," Mr Bean wrote in a letter before the council's meeting last month.
"What if the council voted against this when it has already been released?
"It appears to be a case of putting the cart before the donkey by management."
However, Northern Midlands mayor David Downie said the release of the virus was the responsibility of the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment.
"It wasn't us, we can only ask DPIPWE to release the virus." Cr Downie said.
"This year the department was working independently of the council ... we've asked for there to be better liaison with the department."
Although the department may have released the virus, Cr Downie said he believed any concerns from the council would have been acknowledged.
"The council has a good relationship with the state government," he said.
"They would be prepared to work with requests from the council."
Cr Downie said he understood the virus may also have been released at Campbell Town and was aware of requests for it at Ross.
"We don't want to see rabbits breed up, we know the effects of rabbits in plague proportion - we're not going back there again."