Staff Reporter
THE Agriculture Ministry’s Directorate of Veterinary Services will conduct livestock inspections along the Namibia-South African border and at all animal gathering events to determine if any animals in Namibia have been affected by Rift Valley Fever (RVF), following an outbreak in South Africa.
“The Directorate of Veterinary Services within the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform would like to notify the public, particularly farmers, to exercise vigilance following the outbreak of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) in the Republic of South Africa. The cases were first reported on 14 November 2025, affecting 80 sheep in the Northern Cape, near Augrabies, which is about 40km from the Namibian border. Farmers are urged to report any animals (cattle, sheep, and goats) that exhibit suspicious signs to their nearest State Veterinary Offices,” said the Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Kenneth Shoombe.
He explained that RVF is an insect-borne viral disease affecting cattle, sheep, goats, and ruminant wildlife, and it can also affect humans. He highlighted that various species of mosquitoes can act as vectors for the transmission of the RVF virus.
“Infected animals can introduce the virus into areas where vectors are present and potentially expose other animals and humans to the infection,” Shoombe added.
He further explained that the virus can be transmitted to humans through handling animal tissue during slaughter, butchering, or assisting with animal births, as well as through the disposal of carcasses or foetuses. Humans may also become infected with RVF by consuming unpasteurised or uncooked milk from infected animals, or through bites from infected mosquitoes, particularly the Aedes mosquito and other blood-feeding species.
He stressed that certain occupational groups, such as herders, farmers, slaughterhouse workers, and veterinarians, are at higher risk of infection.
Shoombe outlined the many clinical signs of RVF in animals, including numerous miscarriages, deaths among young animals, regurgitation of food, bloody diarrhoea, and blood-stained yellow or green nasal discharge. Cattle may experience yellow pigmentation of mucous membranes, excessive salivation, cessation of milk production, and increased tear production.
He added that young animals can die within 36 hours of the onset of symptoms, while older animals may take longer to die or show no apparent signs.
In humans, he explained, the clinical signs include feverish symptoms with a sudden onset of flu-like fever, muscle pain, joint pain, fatigue, and headaches. These haemorrhagic fever symptoms may progress to nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and a rash.
“There is no specific treatment or effective human vaccine, so it is important to raise awareness of risk factors and ensure people take protective measures to prevent exposure. Gloves and protective clothing should be worn when handling sick animals or their tissues or when slaughtering,” Shoombe said.
He emphasised that RVF in animals can be prevented through vaccination. There are two types of vaccine available on the market: the live attenuated RVF vaccine and the inactivated (killed) vaccine. He explained that the inactivated vaccine is suitable for pregnant animals, as the live attenuated vaccine should not be used in pregnant animals, as it can cause abortions and birth defects.
“Controlling the spread of RVF involves managing the vector population and protecting humans and animals from vector bites,” he said.
Shoombe also stressed that animal products, including blood, meat, and milk, should be thoroughly cooked before consumption. He urged people to sleep under mosquito nets and wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers to protect against mosquito bites.
“Any person who has recently come into contact with sick animals, organs, or their body fluids, and is manifesting the aforementioned signs, must seek medical attention at the nearest state hospital or medical facility,” Shoombe advised.
He announced that the Directorate of Veterinary Services will therefore conduct livestock inspections in areas along the Namibian-South African border and at all animal gathering events.
“Farmers are urged to collaborate with veterinary officials during livestock inspections. More information on Rift Valley Fever can be obtained from your local state veterinarian. The public, and in particular farmers, must remain on high alert and report any suspected clinical cases to the nearest veterinary office,” Shoombe added.
Picture for illustrative purposes only. Photo: BusinessTech
