For the first time in South African history, an outbreak of rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) has been detected in Mzansi.
According to the department of agriculture, land reform and rural development, several dead wild rabbits and hares have been found in the Karoo areas of the Western and Northern Cape.
The disease, caused by a virus called calicivirus, leads to high death numbers in rabbits and hares. Visible signs of PHD commonly include blood around the nose, mouth or bottom, low levels of energy, eating less, and a high temperature.
Animals then suddenly die as a result internal bleeding in the liver, kidney and spleen.
According to Reggie Ngcobo, media liaison officer and spokesperson for the department of agriculture, specialists have not been able to determine the origin of the disease.
“At this stage it is still unclear how the disease could have entered the country, since the importation of rabbits and hares is not allowed. Investigations are underway to determine whether illegal importation could be the source,” Ngcobo said in a media statement.
The department received reports of wild rabbits and hares dying in the two provinces from state veterinary services, private veterinarians and the department of forestry fisheries and the environment, who were involved in field investigations.
Diagnostic tests were performed at the Onderstepoort Veterinary Research Laboratory, where the cause of death was confirmed.
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Can the disease be controlled?
This rabbit disease requires a vaccination which is not available in South Africa yet.
As a result, the importance of biosecurity measures in rabbitries and anywhere where rabbits or hares are kept, increases, Ngcobo stated.
“Rabbit owners are advised to ensure that their rabbits are secured and must prevent any contact with other rabbits or hares, either directly or indirectly through people or equipment,” the department advised.
However, biosecurity measures are reportedly difficult to implement in wild populations.
“The occurrence of RHD in the Karoo is therefore of great concern, as our indigenous Red Rock rabbit, endangered Riverine rabbit and hare species are highly susceptible to this disease,” Ngcobo said.
Carcasses of RHD-infected rabbits may be a major source of viral spreading, since the virus seems to be highly resistant and stable, even when exposed to harsh environmental conditions.
Members of the public are encouraged to report any dead or dying rabbits or hares to their nearest state veterinarian for investigation.
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