Widespread deaths in rabbits and hares in the Western Cape cause for concern
Widespread deaths in rabbits and hares in the western cape cause for concern
Unusual numbers of rabbits and wild hares have been dying in the Western Cape since the first week of November. This follows reports of deaths in hares in the Sutherland and Middelpos areas of the Northern Cape at the end of October. Samples have been sent for analysis and Western Cape Agriculture’s Veterinary Services is awaiting the results, but it appears that the deaths are caused by a highly contagious disease, to which South African rabbits and hares have no immunity.
Incidents have been recorded from as far afield as Beaufort West, Oudtshoorn and Durbanville. So far, affected species include the domestic rabbit, Cape hare, scrub hare and red rock rabbit. Dr Razeena Omar, CEO of CapeNature fears the impact on endangered species: “There is concern amongst conservationists that the disease might also affect populations of the riverine rabbit, which is already on the brink of extinction. This species only occurs at a few locations in the Nama Karoo and the Little Karoo and is threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation, illegal hunting and vehicle collisions.”
CapeNature and the Endangered Wildlife Trust are working together with State Veterinarians to monitor the spread of the disease. Members of the public are requested to assist by reporting any unusual deaths of domestic rabbits to their local state veterinarian. If wild rabbits or hares are found dead in the veld, the GPS coordinates, name of the farm and photographs of the animals can be sent to bonnies@ewt.org.za or mdevilliers@capenature.co.za. The carcasses should only be touched with gloves that are soaked in bleach (200ml bleach per litre of water) for at least 10 minutes after they have been used. Carcasses of wild hares and rabbits should be buried at least 1.5m deep, and at least 100m from marshes, dams and waterways.
Rabbit owners are urged to practice strict biosecurity and not to introduce any new rabbits, touch any other rabbits or allow visits from rabbit owners until there is more information on the disease. Any direct or indirect contact with wild rabbits and hares should be prevented and any second-hand equipment should be cleaned and wiped with bleach solution, which should be left to dry for at least 10 minutes before being rinsed off.
State Veterinary contact details can be found at: https://www.elsenburg.com/veterinary-services/animal-health-and-disease-control/
MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
General Manager: Advocacy
Petro van Rhyn
071 231 7576
Related News
Catch and release helps to conserve the Western Cape’s indigenous fish
Freshwater ecosystems across the Western Cape are rich in biodiversity, supporting a variety of indigenous fish. However, these species are increasingly threatened by the spread of invasive alien fish species, that prey on indigenous species and compete with them for food, space, and breeding grounds.
Celebrating innovative, resilient women in tourism
Women are thriving in tourism and wielding influence from the boardroom to hiking trails, where they beat a pathway for others to follow. They occupy 70% of the tourism workforce in South Africa, and their voices are being amplified in the sector now more than ever. A powerful yet often overlooked statistic that underscores their vital role in the sector.
Rivers, Watersheds, and the Klein Estuary: A 2025 Natural Breach Event
Over millions of years, South Africa’s rivers and watersheds have evolved through the forces of erosion, rainfall, and shifting geology. A river catchment, or watershed, is an area of land where all surface water flows toward a single river, stream, or channel, eventually reaching the sea.
Avian Influenza detected in Western Cape: Public urged to stay alert, not alarmed
High pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI or “bird flu”) is a viral disease of birds that can also, on rare occasions, infect humans and mammals. The virus spreads through bird faeces and droplets from the nose and mouth, and is present in other body fluids and tissues of dead birds. The disease can cause high mortality rates in domestic poultry.
Independent experts’ review of draft action plan for baboon management now available
The Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team (CPBMJTT) consisting of representatives from SANParks, CapeNature, and the City of Cape Town, wants to inform residents, interested parties, and stakeholders that the independent expert panel’s review of the proposed action plan on baboon management is now available to the public.
Boost for freshwater biodiversity as Wilderness Nature Reserve declared
A new nature reserve has been declared in the Western Cape, marking another significant milestone for the province’s environment. The Wilderness Nature Reserve, spanning over 643 hectares, has been declared a Provincial Nature Reserve in terms of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (Act 57 of 2003).
How can I assist you today?
How can I assist you today?