This is according to metro spokesperson Themba Gadebe.
“In his report, the chief vet, who is based at provincial level, said most of the animals examined were found to be healthy and no evidence of zoonotic skin (Orf) disease of sheep and goats was found as alleged,” said Gadebe.
“Orf is an enveloped virus that may survive in the soil. However, in the tropical climates as prevails in South Africa, specifically in Gauteng, the virus cannot survive in the soil – therefore the Bunny Park soil cannot be infested with the virus.
“The chief vet confirmed that the majority of bunnies exhibited normal behaviour. However, he also noted that there were some that were severely diseased as a result of mange.
“The vet said they did not see dead rabbits but they had not excavated burrows for evidence of death.”
Gadebe said according to the vet, the overpopulation has caused severe damage to the land and decimated the flora of the park.
“The high population has also led to inbreeding and a decline in intrinsic immunity in these animals with the resultant outbreak of disease and high parasite loads.”
Bunny Park, a popular attraction spot, was closed for a week to allow the team of vets to assess allegations made regarding the health of animals at the park.
“Ekurhuleni in the meantime has welcomed recommendations from the state vet to reduce the population.
“Management of the park will also be requesting the Ekurhuleni Metro to approve a plan to sterilise and reduce the population of bunnies, rehabilitate the park and place healthy bunnies in enclosures for public viewing.”
Gadebe said that while there were no negative findings on other animals in the park such as donkeys, cattle, poultry, poultry and aviary, according to the vet all pigs were overweight and food intake must therefore be cut to avoid health problems.
“In this regard, Ekurhuleni has appointed a nutritionist and went further to determine a fixed feeding schedule.
However, there is free flow of the vegetables regularly available as well as fresh water and hey 24 hours a day.
“The City is currently consulting a nutritionist to determine a diet programme for different animals.
“Furthermore, we need to reiterate that there has always been monthly tests for the water and no irregularities were found. Three boreholes are fully functional.
“The City has also appointed a consultant to review a master plan on the upgrade of the park, which includes pathways, damns, vegetation, animal shelters, rehabilitation of the area, plating of pastures, upgrade of the irrigation system as well as building an animal sick bay.
“The provision of bout R7-million has been made available for the implementation of the master plan over the next three financial years.
“The municipality has also overhauled the staff and management of the park.”
