The National Council of SPCAs is concerned that public fear over the hantavirus may lead to animal cruelty.

This is after two tourists died, and a third is in hospital, in Johannesburg, after contracting the disease on a cruise ship that was passing through South African waters.

READ MORE: Hantavirus: No need to panic – Smile 90.4FM

The NSPCA noted that, historically, online coverage of hantavirus cases has led to fear-driven responses, resulting in members of the public poisoning, trapping or killing rodents.

It warns that doing so not only has ecological implications, but in some cases can be unlawful under the Animal Protection Act.

The NSPCA reiterated the Department of Health’s advisory that there is no hantavirus outbreak in South Africa, and that the disease is extremely rare in the country.

“Hantavirus is a rare, rodent-borne virus… Current cases are associated with international exposure, not local spread… The Department of Health has confirmed that there is no outbreak and no need for public alarm.”

The organisation added that rodents, as much as they raise legitimate public health concerns, are capable of experiencing pain and distress. As such, they do not condone “fear-driven” cruelty.

“Recently, the NSPCA investigated a video which shows a live rat trapped in a cage while boiling water is poured over the animal. The individual filming the incident can be heard laughing and mocking the animal’s suffering, while the animal frantically tries to escape,” read the organisation’s statement.

Further to this, the NSPCA urged the public to use human rodent deterrents if a rodent management problem exists.

“NSPCA Inspectors continue to respond to cruelty and provide guidance on responsible, humane interventions. For animal cruelty concerns: 011 907 3590/nspca.co.za. ”