A supplier of rabbit skins to the makers of the Akubra hat has joined a fight for damages over the accidental release of the killer rabbits disease virus.

The Bendigo Bunny Company is one of three named plaintiffs suing the Commonwealth Sientific and Industrial Research Organisation and the Federal Government.

As well as supplying skins to Akubra for the manufacture of hats, the company supplies meat to businesses for pet food.

The preliminary hearing in the Victorian Supreme Court was adjourned yesterday until May 29.