The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries dispatched veterinary professionals to manage the outbreak of Rift Valley Fever working in collaboration with the provincial departments of agriculture.
Through the department's Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, vaccination of livestock in the affected areas was intensified. This vaccination campaign aided by doctors and vet technicians will intervene curbing further loss that could be incurred by stock farmers and owners of livestock.
Rift Valley fever is a viral infection affecting largely goats and sheep resulting in death and abortions.
"As part of the interventions, we have distributed vaccines and dispatched veterinary officers to all affected and suspected areas to assist with the investigations and consolidation of a report with clear recommendations especially into strengthening our early warning systems in this regard."
Since the outbreak until 25 March 2010, there have been 50 001 suspected cases, with 1 446 dead sheep, one goat, 21 cattle and 34 game.
Going forward, a continued awareness education to livestock owners to continue vaccinating their livestock, consultation with vets immediately on suspecting an outbreak, burying or burning dead animals and using protective clothing at all times.
Contact:
Priscilla Tsotso Sehoole
Tel: 012 319 7017
Fax: 012 319 7858
Cell: 083 265 8728
E-mail: CCO@nda.agric.za
Issued by: Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
24 March 2010
Source: Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
(http://www.daff.gov.za)
