South Africa is currently in the grips of the deadly Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD) and a large number of rabbits have already died in Hartbeespoort.
Rabbit owners and farmers are urged to vaccinate their animals immediately.
According to Hartbeespoort rabbit farmer and vice-chairman of the Gauteng Rabbit Breeders Association, Sally Giebelmann, rabbit deaths have been reported in the Rietfontein and Schoemansville areas. Beethoven Recovery Centre reported 16 dead rabbits on its property in the past 10 days, and Mike Cronje of the Schoemansville Oewer Resort said a couple of dead rabbits have also been found in the resort over the past week.
RHD is highly contagious and fatal, affecting rabbits, both domesticated and wild. There is currently a serious outbreak in greater Gauteng, Pretoria and the surrounding areas.
“We are living on a prayer,” said Giebelmann. “I developed the SA Phendula rabbit and have the original genetics here. What if they get wiped out? All our indigenous hare and rabbit species are at huge risk. We are losing irreplaceable genetics in this country now,” she said.
Unfortunately, infected animals may not display visible signs until too late. RHDV can cause sudden death in affected rabbits, often with few or no clinical signs beforehand. Some rabbits may show signs of illness, such as fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, and respiratory distress. Bleeding from the nose or rectum may also occur
“RHD is a disease caused by a virus (Calicivirus) and control of RHD relies mainly on vaccinations,” the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) said.
The virus spreads through direct contact, blood, nasal, and oral secretions of infected rabbits. It can also survive on surfaces like clothes, shoes, blankets, and feed, posing a significant risk of transmission. Biting insects may also be carriers. South Africa had been historically RHD-free up until the first outbreak in November 2022 and vaccination against the disease was not previously allowed in the country. However, after the outbreak in 2022, vaccination became available earlier this year.
Chairman Gauteng Rabbit Breeders Association, Gavin Grgurin said they are trying to limit the spread by reporting all cases of sudden death in wild, feral and domestic rabbits. “We are very strongly recommending the cessation of movement of rabbits, either into or out of affected areas.”
Members of the public are encouraged to please report any dead or dying rabbits or hares to the nearest State Veterinarian for investigation. They are also requested to report it to the Gauteng Rabbit Breeders Association at 081 765 0469, and the RHVD hotline at 0610601980.