Source: http://www.southerntimesafrica.com/a...82eb655544f2ac
Rift Valley Fever (RVF) outbreak spreads to Namibia
By Southern Times Writer 14-05-2010
Windhoek - Rift Valley Fever (RVF), detected in South Africa three months ago has spread into southern Namibia with cases reported in the Karas and Hardap regions, the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry said on Friday.
Namibia banned the import of South Africa meat imports and live animals from that country following the outbreak of the viral disease which affects wild animals and domestic animals such as cattle and sheep.
Namibia's acting chief veterinary officer Cleopas Bamhare said RVF cases had been detected and confirmed at two farms in the Hardap region. There is also a suspicious outbreak under investigation in the Karas region. The Government said it had banned movement of cattle, sheep and goats in the two regions.
'The ministry imposes with immediate effect, the suspension of all movement of cattle, sheep and goats from, into within and through the two regions of Karas and Hardap for one week,' Bamhare said in a statement. RVF is prevalent in east and north Africa. In South Africa the outbreak was detected earlier this year.
The South African government has confirmed 186 cases of the viral fever in humans by May 10, including 18 deaths in the Free State, Eastern, Western and Northern Cape as well as the North West Provinces.
RVF is a viral disease in livestock such as cattle, sheep and camels but can also infect humans through indirect or direct contact with infected animal blood or organs.
'Therefore all permits that were issued involving the two regions have been suspended. The slaughter of cattle, sheep and goats at export abattoirs and the sale of animals at auctions have also been suspended,' Bamhare said.
The Government also said it had closed movement of livestock and meat products at two border posts linking Namibia to South Africa, Noordoewer and Ariamsvlei.
'Noordoewer and Ariamsvlei border posts are now closed to livestock, including fresh or frozen meat for own consumption. 'The measures have been imposed in order to allow time to ascertain the extent of the outbreak and to open negotiations with trading partners,' Bamhare said.
The Government would up its surveillance and urged people who have recently been in contact with sick animals, organs or their body fluids and are showing signs of RVF sickness to seek medical attention.
Rift Valley Fever (RVF) outbreak spreads to Namibia
By Southern Times Writer 14-05-2010
Windhoek - Rift Valley Fever (RVF), detected in South Africa three months ago has spread into southern Namibia with cases reported in the Karas and Hardap regions, the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry said on Friday.
Namibia banned the import of South Africa meat imports and live animals from that country following the outbreak of the viral disease which affects wild animals and domestic animals such as cattle and sheep.
Namibia's acting chief veterinary officer Cleopas Bamhare said RVF cases had been detected and confirmed at two farms in the Hardap region. There is also a suspicious outbreak under investigation in the Karas region. The Government said it had banned movement of cattle, sheep and goats in the two regions.
'The ministry imposes with immediate effect, the suspension of all movement of cattle, sheep and goats from, into within and through the two regions of Karas and Hardap for one week,' Bamhare said in a statement. RVF is prevalent in east and north Africa. In South Africa the outbreak was detected earlier this year.
The South African government has confirmed 186 cases of the viral fever in humans by May 10, including 18 deaths in the Free State, Eastern, Western and Northern Cape as well as the North West Provinces.
RVF is a viral disease in livestock such as cattle, sheep and camels but can also infect humans through indirect or direct contact with infected animal blood or organs.
'Therefore all permits that were issued involving the two regions have been suspended. The slaughter of cattle, sheep and goats at export abattoirs and the sale of animals at auctions have also been suspended,' Bamhare said.
The Government also said it had closed movement of livestock and meat products at two border posts linking Namibia to South Africa, Noordoewer and Ariamsvlei.
'Noordoewer and Ariamsvlei border posts are now closed to livestock, including fresh or frozen meat for own consumption. 'The measures have been imposed in order to allow time to ascertain the extent of the outbreak and to open negotiations with trading partners,' Bamhare said.
The Government would up its surveillance and urged people who have recently been in contact with sick animals, organs or their body fluids and are showing signs of RVF sickness to seek medical attention.
Comment