In South Africa, there have been 218 reports of outbreaks of rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD), according to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). The outbreak started in November 2022 and has since spread to five provinces.
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The Northern Cape has reported 165 outbreaks, the Western Cape 41, the Free State 6, the Eastern Cape 5 and Gauteng Province has confirmed an outbreak.
RHD had never previously been an issue in South Africa, and immunisation was not permitted, until the first outbreak in 2022. But it soon became clear that voluntary vaccination was required to safeguard rabbitries.
Inactivated vaccines can now be used legally in South Africa thanks to cooperation between the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), and the Registrar of Act 36 of 1947.
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“Vaccine has now been successfully imported and rabbit owners have the option to prevent or control the disease by requesting vaccination through their private veterinarians, spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Reggie Ngcobo, told IOL .
‘Carcasses of RHD-infected rabbits may be a major source for viral spreading, since the virus seems to be highly resistant and stable, even when exposed to harsh environmental conditions.’
Despite the difficulties in putting biosecurity measures in place in wild populations, rabbit owners are urged to practise good biosecurity, securely enclose their pets, and avoid any contact with other rabbits or hares.
“The disease is specific to rabbits and hares (lagomorphs) and cannot be transmitted to people and other animals,’explained Bonnie Schumann of the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s (EWT) Drylands Conservation Programme who has been monitoring the outbreak.
‘However, between lagomorphs, it is highly contagious and easily transmitted, normally through direct contact, but may also be carried by flies and scavengers feeding on carcasses, on clothes, shoes and car tyres, or carried on the wind. RHDV is a controlled animal disease.’
The public is warned not to handle or move carcasses to stop the disease from spreading further. It is advised that owners of rabbits practise strict quarantine at home for their animals.
When necessary, such as when a pet rabbit passes away, speak with your neighbourhood veterinarian or the state veterinarian for guidance on the proper disposal of animal carcasses. Bleach should be used to disinfect all contaminated surfaces, and clothing must be washed at a warm temperature.
“Section 11 of the Animal Diseases Act (Act No 35 of 1984) states that it is the responsibility of the owner of animals and the owner and manager of the land on which animals are kept, to prevent disease from entering the animal population and if already present, to prevent the further spread thereof,” said Ngcobo.
The local state veterinarian should be notified of any dead or dying rabbits or hares so that it can be investigated.
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