Agriculture
With regard to the outbreak of rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD):
- (a) What is the estimated size of the rabbit-breeding industry in the Western Cape;
- whether the outbreak has spread to commercial rabbitries; if so, what are the relevant details;
- (a) how contagious is RHD and (b) what biosecurity measures can be taken to prevent the spread of RHD?
5. (1)(a) This is not information that has previously been required for animal health purposes. From enquiries made recently within the Department of Agriculture, there are no records of any large operations. Enquiries have also been made to the Cape Rabbit Club and a preliminary response indicate that there are no large numbers of commercial rabbits in the Western Cape and that the maximum reported number of rabbits kept is approximately 50. Only one operation keeping rabbits for meat has emerged.
(2) We have had no reports of RHD from commercial rabbitries reported so far.
(3)(a) RHD is extremely contagious. It is present in all body fluids from infected animals and survives up to 3 months in carcasses, on feed and other objects and in the environment.
(b) Biosecurity measures are very similar to other contagious diseases. Any new animals should be kept isolated for two weeks to ensure they are healthy before they are mixed with resident animals. People who may have had contact with infected animals should not be allowed on properties with healthy animals and if contact is necessary, they should change clothes, thoroughly wash their hands and arms and disinfect footwear. Any potentially contaminated equipment or other objects should be cleaned and disinfected with an effective disinfectant.
Additionally, the national Directorate: Animal Health, DALRRD is in negotiations with SAHPRA and Act 36 officials for required approvals and permits to import of a vaccine.
