This highly transmissible viral disease
affects only rabbits and wild hares. It is however very easily carried and transmitted by dogs, cats and other small animals on the surfaces of their feet, or in their saliva. Bird of prey and scavenger birds who eat contaminated dead rabbits or hares can also transmit the virus on their feet or beaks. The virus remains virulent for up to 4 months. Yes, this sounds like Rabbit and Wild Hare Covid.
We spoke a state veterinarian, Dr D. Mpofu about the outbreak in the Chartwell-Farmall area and surrounds. He advised on the following: People who keep rabbits should wash their hands before going into and out of the rabbit enclosure, or before handling rabbits in the case of those rabbits kept in a cage. Pet rabbits can be immunized, at a cost of around R700 per rabbit. The Bryanston Avian and Small Animal vet can assist in this regard.
Wherever possible, we also need to ensure that owners of domestic rabbits care for them responsibly and do not allow them to roam free, as this quickly escalates into a situation where there is a large population of feral rabbits, and this places the indigenous hares at greater risk of RHD. Not related to RHD, but still a consideration, carnivorous birds such as owls also feed on these feral rabbits as easy prey, and this disrupts their natural preying habits.
To safeguard wild hares in the area, any dead rabbits or hares found should be burnt or should be buried well below ground level and where their carcasses are not at risk of being dug up by rats or dogs, as these animals will spread the virus in their droppings.
Kindly advise Chartwell Conservancy of any dead hares or rabbits by emailing
chartwellconservancy.eco@gmail.com, or via whatsapp to Françoise, on 082 886 7730.
It would be great if sightings of healthy wild hares could be posted on the Conservancy Whatsapp group.
These African Scrub Hares form an important part in the biodiversity of the area, and need to be preserved!
Dr D. Mpofu can be reached for any additional information or advice, on 071 543 3028.