The mosquitoes play a role in spreading the infectious RVF.
The RVF is a viral disease which can be spread by mosquitoes that can carry the disease from infected animals to healthy animals.
In many cases, the RVF causes abortions and deaths in cattle, sheep and goats.
The MEC for Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Land Reform and Rural Development, Ms Mase Manopole, is therefore, forewarning all farmers to vaccinate all their cattle, sheep and goats against RVF, before the peak of mosquitoes around March and April.
It is also important to note that people who can come into contact with the blood and other body fluids of infected animals may also develop RVF.
The RVF is a zoonotic disease (transmissible from animals to human beings), therefore, Farmers and Farmworkers are encouraged NOT to eat dead animals and should ALWAYS wear protective clothing when handling aborted foetuses.
The RVF is a notifiable disease (disease that is required by law to be reported to government authorities), where the responsibility lies with the farmer to vaccinate his/her animals, hence the Department's warning is sent well in advance, to allow the farmers to prepare for such an eventuality.
Farmers are advised to get vaccination which is available at most Cooperatives in the Province.
MEC Manopole is assuring Farmers that the department officials are on standby to assist with advisory services and disease investigation.
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For media enquiries contact Mr. Zandisile Luphahla, Media Liaison Officer and Spokesperson to the MEC on 083 391 5388.
Issued by the Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Land Reform and Rural Development.