Free State Livestock Farmers Receive Rift Valley Fever Guidance

The Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, through Xhariep Veterinary Services, hosted an information session on Rift Valley Fever at the Ratanang Recreational Centre in Jacobsdal, Letsemeng Local Municipality. The session targeted livestock farmers as mosquito activity rises this season, increasing the risk of the viral disease.

Ms Mavis Dlanga, Control Animal Health Technician for the Xhariep District, delivered the presentation. She explained that Rift Valley Fever is primarily spread by mosquitoes and affects livestock herds. The disease is zoonotic, meaning it can pass from animals to humans. While human infections often cause flu-like symptoms, severe complications can occur in some cases.

Ms Dlanga highlighted the importance of rapid reporting. Livestock symptoms include bloody diarrhoea and bleeding from the nose. Humans can be infected through contact with blood, tissues, or other body fluids of infected animals, including during post mortem examinations. Farmers were urged to report sudden abortions, unexplained deaths, or fever in animals to their local state veterinary office immediately.

Prevention through vaccination was emphasized. Ms Dlanga recommended timely vaccination before the rainy season and following a consistent programme. Two vaccines are available: the Inactivated Rift Valley Fever Vaccine, suitable for pregnant animals, and the Modified Live Vaccine.

She also stressed the role of parasites in weakening livestock immunity. External parasites bite and irritate animals, while internal parasites live in the blood. This increases susceptibility to diseases like RVF.

Farmers were reminded that prevention is more effective than treatment. Consistent vaccination, monitoring, and early reporting remain critical to protecting herds and livelihoods.