Ask Our Vet Rift Valley fever protection

Dear Prof McCrindle.

- 

How can we protect our sheep and goats? We have heard that Rift Valley fever has broken out in the Northern Cape, not far from where we farm. We have been told that vaccination takes about a month to become effective and there is no treatment for the disease. Kind regards, Worried Farmer

Dear Worried Farmer,

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a notifiable disease; the state veterinary services in affected areas will notify livestock farmers about precautions. It can cause high mortalities in sheep and goats, particularly weanlings that have not developed any immunity. Signs of disease and deaths have also been described in dairy cattle and calves.

Weanling sheep and goats are usually the most susceptible. They show a high rectal temperature, stop eating and breathe heavily. Adult ewes abort and there is often a high mortality in newly weaned lambs and kids.