Rift Valley Fever
Rift valley fever is viral disease of sheep, goats and cattle, transmitted by mosquitoes.The disease is characterized by causing abortions and deaths in young animals, and can have catastrophic consequences in naïve herds.Outbreaks seem to occur in cyclical patterns, once every 9-11 years (on average), during wet rainy periods. Late summer is usually the peak time when clinical disease is seen in an outbreak.The agricultural and veterinary community is of opinion that South Africa is the brink of another impending outbreak, very possibly this coming summer, and vaccination of all susceptible animals are advised. Remember to order vaccines before the summer (to ensure availability) and vaccinate at the start of spring. Since the disease is transmitted via mosquitoes, animals near large water bodies tend to be more exposed, since mosquitoes hatch in large numbers in water, especially in wet warm conditions. It is also important to remember that RVF is a Zoonoses, in other words, humans can also contract the disease. Although most people will recover after two weeks of flu-like symptoms, it can also cause severe illness, meningitis, blindness, liver failure and even death. Be sure to take protective measures (clothing, goggles, gloves, etc.) when working with animals and/or carcasses that possibly have RVF. Since the disease is transmitted via mosquitoes, animals near large water bodies tend to be more exposed, since mosquitoes hatch in large numbers in water, especially in wet warm conditions. It is also important to remember that RVF is a Zoonoses, in other words, humans […]
