The Northern Cape MEC for Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Norman Shushu is urging farmers to vaccinate their livestock against insect-borne diseases especially Rift Valley Fever.

According to WHO, Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is a viral zoonosis that primarily affects animals but also has the capacity to infect humans. Infection can cause severe disease in both animals and humans, leading to high rates of disease and death. The current heavy rainfalls are making it possible for the disease-carrying mosquitoes to emerge and the only way to stop or limit the impact of an outbreak is for farmers to vaccinate their livestock before the outbreak to allow for a build-up of immunity. The Northern Cape Province reported an outbreak of Rift Valley Fever in the Kakamas area in October 2009, where five cattle died over a period of a week. The Free State Province is currently experiencing an outbreak of the same disease. Hence farmers are urged to vaccinate as to vaccinate during an outbreak will be too late.

Issued by; Directorate Communication

Source; Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development.

Enquiries; Phemelo Manankong – External Communication Officer

053 839 7861 or 072 215 7848

There are two types of vaccine namely: Live attenuated virus and inactivates vaccines (source:Bio Onderstepoort Products).

INFORMATION ABOUT INACTIVATED (DEAD) AND LIVE RIFT VALLEY FEVER VACCINE
ADVANTAGES (Inactivated)
Safe in pregnant animals
Can be used in outbreaks situation

DISADVANTAGES(Inactivated)
Short duration of immunity
Need more than one inoculationPoor colostral immunity
Need more antigen and longer production

ADVANTAGES (LIVE)
Highly efficacious
Need only single inoculation
Ease of Production & cost effective
Shorter production lead times
Able to produce large quantities

DISADVANTAGES (LIVE)
Teratogenic for foetus/Abortions
Not advisable to use during Outbreaks
It cannot be used during high production cycle
Potential risk reverse to virulence