Farmers urged to remain alert as Rift Valley fever detected near Namibian border
An outbreak of Rift Valley fever (RVF) has been confirmed in South Africa’s Northern Cape near the Namibian border.
Farmers, livestock owners and the public are urged to remain alert, report suspicious cases and take precautionary measures to protect both animals and humans.
The outbreak reported on 14 November affected 80 sheep in the Augrabies area, located approximately 40 kilometres from Namibia.
Chief Namibian veterinary officer Dr Kennedy Shoombe urged Namibian farmers, livestock owners and the general public to remain alert and immediately report any suspected cases in cattle, sheep or goats.
Inspections will be intensified along border areas and at livestock gathering events as part of heightened surveillance efforts.
Rift Valley fever is an insect-borne viral disease that affects cattle, sheep, goats and wild ruminants and can also infect humans.
Farmers operating in high-risk areas, particularly those near water bodies, areas that have recently received rainfall, or locations with increased mosquito and biting fly activity, are advised to be especially vigilant.
Shoombe said the virus is transmitted through several mosquito species capable of acting as vectors. Infected animals can introduce the virus into new areas, creating a risk for both livestock and humans.
Human infection can occur through handling infected animal tissue during slaughtering, butchering or animal births, as well as through contact with raw meat, carcasses or foetuses.
The veterinary officer said exposure can also occur through mosquito bites or consumption of unpasteurised milk from infected animals.
Symptoms
Those in high-risk occupations, including herders, slaughterhouse workers, farmers and veterinarians, are especially vulnerable.
Animal cases typically present through sudden abortions, particularly among young or first-time mothers.
Young animals may die within 36 hours, while older animals may show milder or delayed symptoms. Other signs include bloody diarrhoea, regurgitation, yellow-green nasal discharge, salivation, jaundice in cattle, and sudden drops in milk production.
In humans, Rift Valley fever often begins with a flu-like fever, muscle and joint pain, fatigue and headaches.
Severe cases may progress to nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in rare instances, haemorrhagic symptoms.
“Anyone who recently handled sick animals and begins showing these symptoms is urged to seek medical care immediately,” said Shoombe.
Prevention is key
He said that there is no specific treatment or effective vaccine for humans. For animals, both live attenuated and inactivated vaccines are available, though the live vaccine must not be used in pregnant animals. Preventing the disease relies on vector control, animal vaccination and protective practices when handling livestock.
The DVS advises the public and farmers to use gloves and protective clothing when handling animals or their tissues, thoroughly cook all meat and milk products, sleep under mosquito nets and wear long-sleeved clothing and report any suspected cases to the nearest state veterinary office.
Farmers are encouraged to cooperate fully with veterinary teams conducting inspections.
Farmers, livestock owners and the public are urged to remain alert, report suspicious cases and take precautionary measures to protect both animals and humans.
The outbreak reported on 14 November affected 80 sheep in the Augrabies area, located approximately 40 kilometres from Namibia.
Chief Namibian veterinary officer Dr Kennedy Shoombe urged Namibian farmers, livestock owners and the general public to remain alert and immediately report any suspected cases in cattle, sheep or goats.
Inspections will be intensified along border areas and at livestock gathering events as part of heightened surveillance efforts.
Rift Valley fever is an insect-borne viral disease that affects cattle, sheep, goats and wild ruminants and can also infect humans.
Farmers operating in high-risk areas, particularly those near water bodies, areas that have recently received rainfall, or locations with increased mosquito and biting fly activity, are advised to be especially vigilant.
Shoombe said the virus is transmitted through several mosquito species capable of acting as vectors. Infected animals can introduce the virus into new areas, creating a risk for both livestock and humans.
Human infection can occur through handling infected animal tissue during slaughtering, butchering or animal births, as well as through contact with raw meat, carcasses or foetuses.
The veterinary officer said exposure can also occur through mosquito bites or consumption of unpasteurised milk from infected animals.
Symptoms
Those in high-risk occupations, including herders, slaughterhouse workers, farmers and veterinarians, are especially vulnerable.
Animal cases typically present through sudden abortions, particularly among young or first-time mothers.
Young animals may die within 36 hours, while older animals may show milder or delayed symptoms. Other signs include bloody diarrhoea, regurgitation, yellow-green nasal discharge, salivation, jaundice in cattle, and sudden drops in milk production.
In humans, Rift Valley fever often begins with a flu-like fever, muscle and joint pain, fatigue and headaches.
Severe cases may progress to nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in rare instances, haemorrhagic symptoms.
“Anyone who recently handled sick animals and begins showing these symptoms is urged to seek medical care immediately,” said Shoombe.
Prevention is key
He said that there is no specific treatment or effective vaccine for humans. For animals, both live attenuated and inactivated vaccines are available, though the live vaccine must not be used in pregnant animals. Preventing the disease relies on vector control, animal vaccination and protective practices when handling livestock.
The DVS advises the public and farmers to use gloves and protective clothing when handling animals or their tissues, thoroughly cook all meat and milk products, sleep under mosquito nets and wear long-sleeved clothing and report any suspected cases to the nearest state veterinary office.
Farmers are encouraged to cooperate fully with veterinary teams conducting inspections.
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