FARMERS URGED TO VACCINATE THEIR LIVESTOCK AGAINST INSECT BORNE DISEASES

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) DISADVANTAGES(Inactivated)
Safe in pregnant animals
Short duration of immunity
Can be used in outbreaks situation Need more than one inoculation

Poor colostral immunity

Need more antigen and longer production

ADVANTAGES (LIVE) DISADVANTAGES (LIVE)
Highly efficacious Teratogenic for foetus/Abortions
Need only single inoculation Not advisable to use during Outbreaks
Ease of Production & cost effective It cannot be used during high production cycle
Shorter production lead times Potential risk reverse to virulence
Able to produce large quantities