Media Statement                                                                               21 January 2021

Rift Valley Fever (RVF) Vaccination

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) would like to remind owners of cattle, sheep, and goats to vaccinate their animals against Rift Valley Fever (RVF). The current rainfall predictions indicate that good rainfall might occur in certain areas of the country as a result of a La Niña weather phenomenon. This will result in an increase in the number of mosquitoes.

RVF is a serious viral disease that is spread by mosquitoes that can carry the disease from infected animals to healthy animals. RVF may cause abortions and deaths in cattle, sheep, and goats. People coming into contact with the blood and other body fluids of infected animals may also develop RVF.

Farmers are therefore advised to vaccinate all cattle, sheep, and goats against Rift Valley Fever. Live vaccine (OBP Live) must only be used on non-pregnant animals as the live vaccine can cause abortions. Only dead/inactivated (OBP) vaccines must be used on pregnant animals. It is the responsibility of the animal owners to vaccinate their animals to prevent the death of their animals leading to financial losses.

Any suspicion of RVF disease must be reported immediately to the nearest State Veterinarian.

For further media enquiries, please contact Reggie Ngcobo, Media Liaison Officer, on 082 883 2458.

Issued by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development

See here the information pamphlet from DALRRD for Rift Valley Fever: