A town in the New South Wales Riverina is being recognised with a blue heritage plaque, for its significant role in advancing pest control.

Myxomatosis was released in Balldale more than 70 years ago, and spread rapidly through the Murray River region via mosquitoes.

It marked a turning point for controlling the spread of feral rabbits, which had become out of control during the Second World War.

Rural reporter Ella Smith poke to community leader Brendon Wood about the trial, which was launched by CSIRO in late 1950.

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