Rift Valley fever virus particles, illustration. Getty Images.

The Northern Cape Department of Agriculture has issued an urgent health alert after Onderstepoort Veterinary Research Laboratory confirmed an outbreak of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) among livestock in the Kakamas area near Augrabies.

Who is affected and human risk

Sheep appear particularly affected in the outbreak area. RVF is a zoonotic disease that can be transmitted from infected animals to people, especially through direct contact with sick animals, birthing materials such as aborted foetuses and placentas, or infected tissues during slaughter and post-mortem procedures. Human infection usually causes flu-like symptoms — fever, muscle and joint pain, and headache — but in a subset of cases can progress to severe illness, including haemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal.

Immediate precautions for farmers and agricultural workers

All personnel handling livestock should use full personal protective equipment, including gloves, masks, aprons and face shields, when working with sick or dead animals, birthing materials or conducting post-mortems. Contaminated material, particularly aborted foetuses and placentas, must be disposed of by deep burial or incineration in line with local regulations. The department is urging an immediate vaccination campaign for sheep, goats and cattle as a critical preventive step. Because RVF is spread by mosquitoes, farmers should eliminate stagnant water around livestock areas and implement insect-control measures to reduce vector populations.

Reporting and health advice

Farmers must report any sudden increases in animal abortions, unexplained livestock deaths or high fevers to their nearest State Veterinarian or Animal Health Technician without delay. Anyone who develops flu-like symptoms after contact with animals or animal products should seek medical attention promptly.

For animal health matters contact the Upington State Veterinary Office / Animal Health Office on 087 630 0304 or mobile 083 452 9850 / 078 486 9275. For human health concerns contact your nearest medical facility immediately.

The Department of Agriculture is monitoring the situation and will provide further guidance and support to contain the outbreak and limit transmission.