Myxomatosis was introduced to combat the rabbit plague. It does not affect hares.

Hare numbers however have decreased due to the use of chemical sprays and herbicides and other factors. Grassy cover along fence lines and similar places in paddocks has been reduced in farms and these areas provide cover for hares and their "nests". Hares do not burrow, so are more susceptible to predation from cats, dogs and foxes.

In vineyards they can be a nuisance. In young plantings they can "ring bark" young vines killing them by eating off the bark in a "ring". They also can nip irrigation dripper lines looking for water, making a hole and damaging hoses.

I shoot a few each year, but never try to shoot them all out.