Be vigilant about Rift Valley Fever, livestock experts urge, as it could break out again in Southern Africa at any moment after heavy rains in some areas led to large-scale mosquito breeding. This livestock disease also poses a serious threat to humans and can lead to deaths.

Farmers should assess their risk. “If you farm in a high-risk area, you need to vaccinate your animals for the rainy season because if the disease breaks out on your farm, it is too late to do anything about it.”

People can become infected when they cut open a dead animal. “The internal organs of an infected animal are golden yellow. Do not touch them, as you can become infected and even die.”

The risk of infection to humans is especially high during large outbreaks of Rift Valley Fever when they can become infected through handling infected animals, exposure to their bodily fluids, or even mosquito bites. Symptoms range from mild flu-like signs such as fever, headache, and muscle pain to severe symptoms like hemorrhagic fever, encephalitis (brain inflammation), and eye complications. Pregnant women are particularly at risk due to the danger of miscarriage.

When an abortion storm occurs on a farm and people show flu symptoms, this is usually the main sign that it could be Rift Valley Fever.

People should therefore avoid contact with infected animals. During outbreaks, use products to keep mosquitoes away.

There is always a risk that Rift Valley Fever could break out because animals currently have weak immunity against the disease, as the last outbreak was so long ago.

Information obtained from an article on Landbou.com with contributions from Dr. Faffa Malan, Prof. Leon Prozesky, and Prof. Peter Thompson.

What advice is there to reduce the incidence of Bluetongue?

Vaccination is undoubtedly the best precaution to prevent Bluetongue, but farmers can also take the following steps to mitigate the impact of this disease:

• Avoid unregistered “remedies,” “vaccines,” and home treatments.
• Reduce contact between the midges that spread the Bluetongue virus and the sheep flock.

Previously vaccinated animals are less susceptible than young lambs, which require special attention and care. Cattle are seldom or not affected by the virus but are more attractive to the midges.

If cattle and sheep graze together, the midges will likely prefer the cattle. However, remember that the virus can multiply in cattle.

Midges breed in damp areas, such as wetlands. Therefore, if possible, such places should be avoided, especially at night when the midges are active. If possible, the flock and particularly the most valuable animals, such as rams, should be kept in a sheltered shed from late afternoon until late morning.

Openings can be closed with shade netting and sprayed with insect repellents. Sheep can be sprayed over the head and legs with registered insecticides. The best ingredient for this is products containing deltamethrin.

Treatment of affected sheep relies on good care, soft food, and, if necessary, appropriate antibiotics and painkillers.

Information obtained from an article on Landbou.com. Compiled by Dr. Faffa Malan.

If you have any concerns or need assistance with disease prevention or treatment, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr Izak van Rensburg on:
WhatsApp : 081 031 4694
Email : izakjvr@hotmail.com