That is the message the Mid Coast Livestock Pest and Health Authority delivered to Aberdeen residents last week.

The small Upper Hunter town has a growing rabbit community, one that has been developing for years and following a good season breeding even bigger.

When you drive into the town chances are you’ll see a rabbit, whether it’s on the fringes on rural properties or right in the centre on residential house blocks.

The little vermin’s are making their presence known wrecking backyards, damaging house structures and eating crops and gardens.

Following an increase in concerned resident complaints, Mid Coast Livestock Pest and Health Authority pest animal ranger Craig Crooks started programs within the community.

Last Monday, representatives from the Mid Coast Livestock Pest and Health Authority and the Upper Hunter Shire Council met with community members in Aberdeen.

About 20 residents attended voicing their individual concerns and ideas to control the growing problem.

According to residents the rabbits have been an ongoing issue as Aberdeen has been a popular breeding place for many years.

Mid Coast Livestock Pest and Health Authority pest animal ranger Ross Garland said the residents at the meeting were keen to control the growing

problem.

However, Mr Garland said a broad scale program would be required to produce results.

Residents at the meeting have started poisoning programs and ferreting burrows.

“We need as many people to come on board as possible to control them,” Mr Garland said.

“If people don’t get on top of them, it will be become a major problem.”