Gauteng’s rabbits, both domestic and wild, continue to become infected with the fatal and highly infectious Rabbit Haemmorhagic Disease (RHD).
Confirmed cases
Since yesterday, cases have been confirmed in Midrand, Rietvallei, Lanseria, Knoppieslaagte, Centurion and Pretoria East.
In addition, suspected cases are being investigated in Sasolburg, the Crocodile River Reserve, Hartbeespoort and Kensington, Jhb.
It takes two to three days from the time suspected cases are identified to confirmation.
Quarantine
As a preventive measure the Gauteng Rabbit Breeder’s Association (GRBA) is urging all rabbit keepers, whether breeders or simply pet owners, to refrain from moving their animals anywhere in Gauteng, but certainly within and between any areas that have suspected or confirmed cases,
For more details, please read our initial article on the outbreak posted yesterday.
Main image: Andrew Smithson, courtesy Wikimedia Commons
Wild Hare found on Erling Road,
Treesbank, Helderfontein possibly suffering from the Rabbit Disease.
Difficulty walking no apparent damage. It died approximately 10 minutes later.
Please report these to your State Vet, who I guess is Jhb? We have passed your message on to the Gauteng Rabbit Breeders Assoc who are co-ordinating a national awareness and case study programme.
I am wondering if this disease affects people. Rural people may be catching immobilised/sick rabbits and eating them. Protein is expensive and a catch may be a solution to meatless food. The state vets, farmers groups, and Extention officers need to go on an extensive communication exercise to inform the public.
Fortunately, only rabbits and hares can contract the disease. It affects no other species, humans included. HOWEVER, other species can be carriers of the virus, including flies, mosquitoes, birds, rats, mice, dogs, cats. And humans. This happens simply by coming into contact with a rabbit or hare that has contracted the disease, as the virus can survive on clothing, shoes. hair etc, and even simply in grass. Thus, EXTREME care needs to be taken as to what hay one feeds one’s rabbits and it can be contaminated before it is cut and baled.