The Department of Agriculture in the Northern Cape has issued an urgent health alert following the confirmation of a Rift Valley Fever (RVF) outbreak amongst livestock in the Kakamas area near Augrabies.

The outbreak was confirmed by the Onderstepoort Veterinary Research Laboratory, with sheep populations particularly affected in the region.

“We are dealing with a confirmed outbreak of Rift Valley Fever virus in livestock in the Kakamas area,” stated the Directorate of Veterinary Services. “This is a serious zoonotic disease that poses risks to both animal and human health, and we urge all farmers and agricultural workers in the area to take immediate precautionary measures.

Human Health Risks

The Department of Agriculture has warned that RVF can be transmitted from infected animals to humans, particularly through direct contact with sick animals or contaminated materials.

“Humans can contract the virus through handling sick animals, dealing with birthing materials such as aborted foetuses and placentas, and working with infected animal tissues during slaughter or post-mortem examinations,” the department explained.

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Symptoms in humans typically present as flu-like illness, including fever, muscle and joint pain, and headaches. However, the department cautioned that severe complications, including haemorrhagic fever, can develop and may prove fatal.

Immediate Actions Required

The Department of Agriculture has outlined several critical measures that farmers and agricultural workers must implement immediately:

Personal Protection: “All personnel handling animals must wear full Personal Protective Equipment, including gloves, masks, aprons, and face shields when dealing with sick or dead animals, birthing materials, or conducting post-mortem examinations,” the department advised.

Safe Disposal: Contaminated materials, particularly aborted foetuses and placentas, must be disposed of through deep burial or incineration in accordance with local regulations.

Vaccination Programme: “We are urging all farmers to vaccinate their sheep, goats, and cattle against RVF immediately,” stated the department. “This is a critical preventative measure that cannot be delayed.”

Vector Control: Given that RVF is transmitted by mosquitoes, the department has emphasised the importance of mosquito control measures. “Farmers should drain all stagnant water near livestock areas and implement insect repellent strategies,” they advised.

Reporting Protocol

The Department of Agriculture has stressed the importance of immediate reporting of any suspicious symptoms or unusual occurrences.

“Farmers must report any sudden increases in animal abortions, high fevers in livestock, or unusual animal deaths to their nearest State Veterinarian or Animal Health Technician without delay,” the department stated.

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For human health concerns, individuals should contact their nearest medical facility immediately, particularly if experiencing flu-like symptoms after contact with animals or animal products.

The outbreak serves as a reminder of the ongoing risks posed by zoonotic diseases in agricultural communities, particularly during periods of increased mosquito activity often associated with rainfall and flooding.

The Department of Agriculture continues to monitor the situation closely and has assured farmers that additional support and guidance will be provided as needed to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission.