A small number of rabbits were brought to a farm in Victoria Australia in 1859. The rabbit population quickly exploded from a few to millions in a short period of time. In the 1950’s a virus carried by mosquitoes - myxoma - was introduced. This virus was initially lethal to 99.8% of the rabbit population exposed to it. Future outbreaks of the virus have not been as successful in reducing the rabbit population. Which of the following statements is true about the rabbit population?