Feral deer could be Australia’s next rabbit plague

There is a growing concern in Victoria over the increasing population of feral deer, with calls for the government to reevaluate their protected status to prevent them from becoming the next rabbit plague.

A coalition of landholders and community groups are advocating for feral deer to be classified as pests to protect agricultural land and the local environment, aligning Victoria with other mainland states.

Supporters of the cull highlight the damage caused by deer to orchards, farms, vineyards, and the concern that recreational hunting is insufficient to control their numbers.

With an estimated population of 250,000 to 1 million in the state, advocates are urging for a shift in legislation to list feral deer as pests and invest in effective control measures.

The Invasive Species Council warns that failure to act could lead to a deer population explosion, mirroring Australia’s past rabbit plague, emphasizing the need for urgent action.