Reports of rabbit and hare deaths across South Africa's Western and Northern Cape
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PRESS RELEASE: (EWT)
Reports of rabbit and hare deaths across South Africa's Western and Northern Cape
9 November 2022
An undiagnosed disease is spreading rapidly through wild hare and rabbit species as well as domestic rabbits in both the Western Cape and Northern Cape. The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) is closely monitoring the spread due to its potential impact on the Critically Endangered Riverine Rabbit.
The first death of a Scrub Hare was reported to the EWT in mid-October 2022 from the Sutherland-Middlepos area in the Northern Cape. However, the disease has spread as far as Springbok and Fraserburgh in the Northern Cape and the Montagu-Laingsburg area in the Western Cape. There have been more recent reports of wild hares dying in the Merweville and Beaufort West regions and domestic rabbits in Cape Town and surrounds. Thus far, no deaths of Riverine Rabbits have been confirmed.
State Veterinarians from both provinces are on high alert and collecting samples for analysis. The EWT, together with the provincial conservation agencies is documenting and mapping reports across the provinces. The State Veterinian has sent samples to Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital for testing, and a definite diagnosis is expected within the next few days.
The disease appears to only affect rabbits and hares (Lagomorphs) and is highly contagious and easily transmitted. Members of the public are advised not to handle carcasses to avoid further spread. If required, disinfect all affected surfaces with bleach and warm-wash contaminated clothing items. We recommend contacting your nearest state veterinarian (find them here) to take samples should you encounter unnaturally large numbers of dead rabbits/hares on your property. Pet rabbit owners are advised to exercise strict quarantine of their pets at home until more information is available. Where unavoidable contact occurs, for example, when a pet rabbit dies, contact your local vet or state veterinarian for advice on how to safely dispose of the carcasses.
The EWT is assisting in tracking reported cases, especially in areas within the known distribution range of the Critically Endangered Riverine Rabbit. We are concerned about the potential effects of the disease on the already highly fragile population. We request all landowners to report any suspected Riverine Rabbit deaths to the EWT, and please include a photograph of the dead animal .
The Endangered Wildlife Trust is urging farmers to report all lagamorph deaths of hares and rabbits to ewt@ewt.org.za. Please include your name, farm name, cell number, and GPS location of the incidents (if possible). Please also contact your local state vet and request that necropsies be done and the specimens sent to Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital.
Contact the local state vet for assistance with wild hares and rabbits
Western Cape contact details can be found here:
https://www.elsenburg.com/veterinary-services/animal-health-and-disease-control/
Northern Cape contact details:
Dr Bertus Nel at 027 341 1045
nel.bertus@yahoo.com
Or your closest state vet
End
Endangered Wildlife Trust contact: Johan du Plessis
The EWT’s Drylands Conservation Programme Manager
johand@ewt.org.za
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