The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development has urged livestock owners to vaccinate their animals against Rift Valley Fever (RVF) which causes abortions and death in young cattle, sheep, and goats.
According to the department, the recent rainfall in certain areas of the country will see an increase in the number of mosquitoes, which transmit the disease.
“People coming into contact with the blood and other body fluids of infected animals can also develop RVF,” the department said.
Vaccines have been made available at state veterinarian clinics. “Any suspicion of RVF must be reported immediately to the nearest state veterinarian,” the department said. - Zoë van Rooyen