Garden Route area rabbit deaths due to hemorrhagic disease
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD) was first detected in dead rabbits in the Garden Route in June this year.
State veterinarian Dr Leana Janse van Rensburg has confirmed that "rumours of many rabbits dying in the Garden Route area are true". She said the Garden Route's first diagnosis of RHD was in Knysna.
Monique Goosen, founder of the Southern Cape Bunny Haven, told George Herald, sister newspaper of the Mossel Bay Advertiser the haven estimates that a few thousand rabbits in the region have died from the disease so far. She said various rabbit populations in Great Brak, Friemersheim, Loerie Park in George and Knysna have been wiped out by the virus.
Outbreak threat to indigenous species
On Thursday, 2 November, Sonia Slabbert, a spokesperson for the Bunny Haven (located between Mossel Bay and Albertinia), issued a statement in which she aired concern over the spread of the disease at "an alarming rate". She said the outbreak not only threatened the rabbitkeeping community, but also endangered the indigenous rabbit population. "We are witnessing an unprecedented number of cases among both domestic and wild rabbits [in South Africa]. It is imperative that immediate action is taken to curb the transmission of this lethal virus."
The national Department of Agriculture said the virus seemed to be highly resistant and stable, even when exposed to harsh environmental conditions. The indigenous red rock rabbit, endangered riverine rabbit and hare species are highly susceptible to the disease.
Biosecurity measures
Janse van Rensburg stressed that RHD is preventable through good biosecurity measures. "This includes ensuring rabbits are kept secure and contact with other rabbits or hares is prevented, including indirect contact through people or equipment."
She said any potentially contaminated equipment or other objects should be disinfected, after removing all dirt, with bleach (3,5% sodium hypochlorite) diluted to 200ml per litre of water, allowing at least 10 minutes' contact time.
Report mortalities
"Members of the public are encouraged to report increases in rabbit mortalities to the state veterinarian (SVGeorge@ westerncape.gov.za, 044 803 3770), including information on the species, number and locations. Photographs can assist with species identification."
She said carcasses of animals that die from RHD are a major source of virus spread and need to be disposed of in a proper manner, in order to lower the viral load in the environment.
"Vaccination may be possible in certain circumstances with an imported vaccine. Owners considering vaccination should contact their private veterinarian to enquire regarding the possibility and costs involved."
George Herald was able to confirm that vaccination is available at at least two vet practices in George, namely the Eden Small Animal Hospital and Vet Care.
First cases
The first cases of RHD in South Africa were detected in late 2022. The Agriculture Department at the time issued a statement, saying it was unclear how the disease could have entered the country, since importing of rabbits and hares is not allowed. Investigations were launched to determine whether illegal imports could have been the source.
China the origin
According to the World Health Organisation, the RHD virus was first described in China in 1984. It rapidly spread from there and is considered endemic in several countries.