Rift Valley fever warning in Free State

"The above average rainfall seen in this past week spells an inevitable consequence of yet another Rift Valley Fever outbreak," said the department on Tuesday, 4 January 2011.

Breeding season

The heavy showers cause shallow water surfaces and water pans to become flooded. Combined with warm weather conditions, this promotes the breeding of mosquitoes, which transmit the disease.

According to the World Health Organisation, a specific species of mosquito, the Aedes, transmits this viral disease while feeding on farm animals like sheep, goats and cattle.

The disease leads to the death of newborn lambs and calves and abortions in ewes and cows.

Humans become infected by handling tissues or organs of diseased animals.

Symptoms and prevention

The department has emphasised the seriousness of infection in people, saying that at times, it can be life threatening. Symptoms include severe muscle and joint pains, high fever, severe headaches and blurred vision.

The outbreak of Rift Valley fever during 2010 resulted in 232 human cases, 26 of which died from the disease.

Vaccination is the only effective method to protect livestock, and farmers are advised to vaccinate their animals once a year. They should also dip them weekly to control mosquitoes and to use insect repellent sprays or pour-ons.

The public is urged not to handle any sick animals or cut up any dead animals or aborted foetuses. Protective clothing and goggles should be used when touching sick or dead animals.

The local State Veterinarian can be contacted on the following numbers:

Motheo District
Bloemfontein: 051-4363677
Thaba'Nchu: 051-8751160

Xhariep District
Fauresmith: 051-7230032
Smithfield: 051-6830083
Lejweleputswa District
Welkom: 057-9166724
Hoopstad: 053-4441910

Thabo Mofutsanyana District
Bethlehem: 058-3035579
QwaQwa: 058-7141430

Fezile Dabi District
Sasolburg: 016-9762006
Kroonstad: 056-2123126