RVHD ~ The Unforeseen Challenge

Our journey in the rabbit farming industry has been marked by both triumphs and tribulations. We have navigated the ups and downs of this business, experiencing growth and prosperity. Yet, one challenge we never anticipated was the arrival of the RHVD virus, which sent shockwaves through our rabbitry, and indeed, the entire South African rabbit farming community.

We began with a thriving rabbitry of 4,800 rabbits, an impressive number that filled us with pride and ambition. Then, one day, the unexpected happened. The RHVD virus struck, and the consequences were devastating. Overnight, our numbers dwindled, and the once-bustling rabbitry was brought to a standstill. The daily sight of having to incinerate 400 rabbits became a painful reality. We feared that we would be wiped out entirely, and we very nearly were... but that's a whole story on it own. 

The toll of the virus outbreak extended far beyond the physical loss. It was emotionally traumatic. The heart-wrenching sight of losing so many rabbits, the uncertainty of whether we would ever recover, and the fear of our once-flourishing rabbitry fading away left us with heavy hearts.

In the midst of this crisis, one individual stood out—Sanele. His dedication and invaluable contributions kept our hopes alive. Sanele was not just a team member; he was family. However, the uncertainty surrounding his future in the midst of these challenges is a looming concern. His potential departure to develop the rabbit industry in West Africa and continue his studies would leave a void that will be incredibly hard to fill.

Yet, amidst the adversity, our vision remains clear. We are committed to rebuilding, to restoring our rabbitry to its former glory. Our dreams of producing our own pellets and having our abattoir remain undeterred. We're determined to develop a local market and, ultimately, achieve the production capacity to stock a container every month. That's 21,000 rabbits per month.

The virus that struck us is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within the South African rabbit farming industry. As we rebuild, we are also faced with the question: Will the commercial rabbit industry in South Africa withstand this assault? The rumour mill seams to indicate an individual who illegally imported an infected rabbit into the Cape, unwittingly unleashing the virus into our corner of the world is to blame. To me, it feels like an intentional attack on our rabbitry, given our rigorous cleanliness standards and history of minimal mortalities.

Despite the trials we've faced, we remain steadfast in our commitment to the rabbit farming industry. We believe in the resilience of our rabbits and the unwavering dedication of our team. As we rebuild, we're determined to rise above this challenge, to once again see our rabbitry flourish, and to contribute to the growth of the South African rabbit farming community. This journey, though difficult, is far from over. Together, we can overcome this adversity and continue our pursuit of excellence in rabbit farming.

This unexpected chapter, marked by loss and uncertainty, is a testament to the indomitable spirit of our rabbitry, and it reinforces our commitment to the future of this industry. In the face of adversity, we will emerge stronger, with a newfound appreciation for the resilience of our rabbits and the bonds that hold our team together.

I am keen on using the CRPASA (association) now to bring together rabbit breeders, farmers, and experts to collaborate on maintaining and improving rabbit genetics and health... I'm wondering if my wish will be made manifest. Lets see.