Agro Perspectiva

Namibia prevented spread of Rift Valley Fever, saved lives

28.07.2010 14:05 "Agro Perspectiva" (Kyiv) — FAO Director-General Jacques Diouf yesterday commended Namibia for acting swiftly and effectively to halt the spread of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) in the country during recent outbreaks. Speaking at a meeting in the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry in Windhoek, Diouf praised the Namibian institutions involved. «Their alertness and prompt reaction prevented outbreaks of Rift Valley Fever in May 2010 from spreading, with potentially devastating consequences on lives, livelihoods and food security,» Diouf said. . Diouf singled out the Meat Board of Namibia, the abattoirs where the disease was detected, the Directorate of Veterinary Services and the livestock farmers concerned. The vigilance and response of the veterinary services was all the more remarkable, Diouf said, when considering that Rift Valley Fever emerged in Namibia after an absence of 25 years — almost all the staff involved had never had to fight the disease before. Rift Valley Fever is a disease carried by mosquitoes after heavy rains and flooding and is characterised by high rates of abortion and neonatal mortality primarily in sheep, goats and also cattle. Humans are at risk — and can die — when in close contact with the blood or organs of infected animals or when bitten by infected mosquitoes. An FAO team comprising members of the Animal Production and Health Division and the Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases deployed at the request of the Government returned from Namibia full of praise for the professional performance of the veterinary services in handling the outbreaks. Dr Juan Lubroth, FAO’s Chief Veterinary Officer said «The swift response is exemplary and very likely prevented worse from happening.» RVF was first suspected by veterinary services in sheep from two farms in the Hardap/Karas regions on 9 May 2010. The disease was detected during inspection at the Farmers’ Meat Market Abattoir in Mariental, when lesions of RVF were recognised during examination. «The positive contribution of Namibia in the fight against Rift Valley Fever has international significance,»Diouf said. "For this reason FAO would like to formally recognise the preparedness and readiness in place in Namibia and the alertness of veterinary services. «This is an inspiring example for other countries to follow to protect their animals, livelihoods, trade and indeed people, together with neighbouring countries from serious animal diseases». However, Rift Valley Fever will continue to pose threats, including to Namibia as the next rainy season — expected in October/November 2010 — brings the risks back. FAO looks forward to providing support in defining the different options for control and prevention as part of Namibia’s future strategy.