By Antynet Ford

Nakuru farmer Duncan Karanja has doubled his cabbage yields using rabbit urine sprays to fight leaf miner and blight, even as a September 2025 study warns the sprays expose farmers to respiratory irritation and infection risks if handled without protection.

For years, Duncan battled persistent pest attacks that weakened his cabbage crop. “Leaf Minor and blight had been on my neck when farming cabbage since 2015. Leaf minor affects the folding of the cabbage because you will always find the larvae on the leaves. For blight, during the rainy season is when the impact is always huge, especially even now when the rainfall amounts are huge,” he said.

The losses, combined with the rising cost of chemical pesticides, pushed him to change approach. “Chemical pesticides are expensive. With rabbit urine, I only need to mix it with water and spray my crops,” he said.

He shifted to a system built around rabbit urine, supported by Bacillus-based organic solutions and chilli-ginger extracts. The urine is collected from trays beneath rabbit cages, stored in containers, diluted with water, and sprayed using a knapsack sprayer.

“I spray using my rabbit’s urine or buy organic pesticides from manufacturers. Organic pesticides have so far worked as the best for me. It is economical because it can be easily found and even when spraying, the harvest intervals are not necessary. It makes my cabbage flourish well and look healthy with no plant stress,” he said.

Duncan said the change reduced pest pressure and improved crop performance, doubling his cabbage production. He has since shifted into spinach farming, continuing the same approach.

However, amidst growing adoption among farmers seeking low-cost alternatives, a September 2025 study by Medshun highlights the potential human health risks of using rabbit urine. The study found that rabbit urine contains ammonia, a by-product of protein metabolism, which can cause respiratory irritation, especially in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation.

It also identified bacteria including Pasteurella multocida, Staphylococcus, and Pseudomonas, as well as parasites such as Encephalitozoon cuniculi. These can cause infections if the urine is ingested or if it comes into contact with open wounds or mucous membranes, which line the nose.

Results from the study showed that prolonged exposure can lead to itching, redness, burning sensations, and skin infection symptoms. Individuals with weakened immune systems, allergies, or those who frequently handle rabbits can also face higher risks. In severe cases, the bacteria identified can cause cellulitis, abscesses, or systemic infections.

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“What I can say about the urine of rabbit is that it is true it has a very concentrated smell of Ammonia. But to prevent any reactions though I have never had any, I will always ensure that I have the recommended masks, gloves and goggles to ensure that I have protected myself,” said Duncan.

“I have never had any reaction truly I will say for the last ten years that I have been using it since 2015 when I started farming,” he said.

During spraying, the liquid sometimes splashes onto the skin, with agricultural officers saying caution is necessary. 

Peter Maina, an SSP in Nyeri, said: “Farmers should always use protective clothing such as gloves and boots when spraying any substance on crops. Natural products can still irritate the skin or carry microorganisms,”

He advised farmers to ensure proper storage, dilution, and washing after spraying, avoid contact with open wounds, and maintain hygiene when handling rabbits and preparing sprays.

As adoption of rabbit urine grows among farmers seeking cheaper inputs, the emerging scientific evidence of health risks means understanding that natural does not mean safe, and that farmer health requires protection.

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