The ACT could be looking down the burrow of a rabbit plague

Rabbits are being shot in the area of Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra's centre in an effort to keep their population under control.

The program is continuing amid fears rabbit numbers could be growing at a concerning rate.

Previous virus releases, like myxomatosis and calicivirus, have brought rabbit numbers down to historic lows. But experts say a new virus is needed every 10 to 15 years as rabbits build immunity.