UPDATE: Virus wipes out Bunny Park rabbit colony

More than 40 rabbits at the Bunny Park in Rynfield have succumbed to the highly contagious Rabbit Haemorrhagic Viral Disease (RHVD).

The Benoni City Times reported on October 20 that the first case of the virus was recorded in Morehill.

Pensioner Willem Branjes told us he lost 70 of his fluffy pets within two days.

At the time, City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson Zweli Dlamini stated that no deaths had been reported at the Bunny and Bokkie parks and that the situation was being closely monitored.

The parks remained open and no other preventative measures, such as visitor sterilisation were put in place.

On October 23, Dlamini acknowledged receipt of a second request from Benoni City Times for comment regarding the welfare of the parks’ animals as well as what preventative measures have been put in place to safeguard the colonies but no response was forthcoming.

When contacted on October 27 for comment about the death of the rabbits at the Bunny Park, Dlamini said his department had not been informed of any deaths of rabbits at the Bunny Park.

Ward 27 Clr Lornette Joseph said the carcasses of two rabbits were found inside the dedicated enclosure on October 22.

The following day, the park’s caretaker contacted the Parks and Environment Department to inform them that all the rabbits had died.

“I am saddened by the loss of innocent animal lives,” said Joseph. “I believe that if the metro had acted swiftly by closing the park and ensured that all the rabbits were vaccinated this could have been prevented.”

According to Joseph, the park was closed on October 23 in an attempt to curb the further spread of the disease and will remain closed until further notice.

“Under the guidance of officials from the Parks and Environment Department the remains of the animals were removed from the enclosure and disposed of following stringent protocols,” she said.

“The outbreak was reported to the state veterinarian, the local veterinarian who provides medical assistance to the park, the Department of Agriculture and the SPCA.

“Staff will be drenching the enclosure as well as walkways with bleach and water,”

Devastated by the news that the animals she tirelessly fought to protect had died, animal activist and founder of

The Furry Friends and the Bunny Park Rescue group, Tania Forrest-Smith said the rabbits could have been saved if the metro heeded her calls to temporarily close the park.

“I warned them on countless occasions that the virus is rife throughout Benoni and that the park’s colony was at risk,” she said, sobbing.

“Only now that all the bunnies have died in the most horrific manner have they closed the park. It is all too late.”

ALSO READ: Concerns of breeding of animals at the Bunny Park

Bokkie Park

Joseph stated that according to information received, the metro’s teams are currently attempting to trap rabbits at the Bokkie Park in Boksburg for vaccines to be administered.

This could not be confirmed by Dlamini, although our sister publication, Boksburg Advertiser, visited the Bokkie Park today (October 27) and spoke to a supervisor.

He said there are about 60 bunnies at the park and they are all in good health at moment.

“We are keeping a close eye on them. We are not vaccinating at the moment because we’re afraid it may make them sick. I will report it immediately should we notice even one bunny is not well. My superior is also in contact with the State vet,” said Suniel Lutchminarain.

Symptoms

Residents are once again reminded that the RHVD2 virus cannot be transmitted to humans or other species of animals.

Transmission of the viral disease is through direct contact with infected animals through the oral, nasal or conjunctival routes, hair, food, bedding and water used by infected animals as well as flies and other insects.

Symptoms of the disease include fever, loss of appetite, bloodstained or frothy nasal discharge, convulsions and paralysis.

The incubation period for the virus is one to three days but can extend to five, the disease can survive on surfaces that have not been adequately sanitised for up to 72 hours.

In acute infections, death occurs within 12 to 36 hours following the onset of fever.

Joseph said that no new rabbit colonies will be introduced to the park for a period of six months and in accordance to directives received from the state veterinarian.

ALSO READ: Bunny, Bokkie park rabbits so far clear of deadly virus metro says