Invermay Animal Health Laboratory manager Gary Clark said yesterday one dead rabbit found at Rimu had been sent to the laboratory for analysis by MAF Quality Managment staff in Invercargill.

But with only one rabbit confirmed with the rabbit calicivirus disease, Mr Clark said it could not be discounted that it had been deliberately dropped.

Other live rabbits had been seen in the area.

There had been similar cases of RCD infected rabbits being dropped off in isolated areas around Dunedin, he said. In one instance, one rabbit had been found up a tree with its legs tied.

Mr Clark said MAF Qual staff were on the lookout for any more dead rabbits that could be sent for analysis.

The Rimu rabbit had been found on November 14.