Coordinated measures for the surveillance and control of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) and prevention of the risk of spillover to humans are paying off in Eastern Rwanda’s Ngoma district, thanks to the ‘One Health’ approach used by the Government of Rwanda, working with its partners.
As a result of Rwanda’s approach to managing the recent outbreak of RVF virus, which was confirmed in Ngoma district on August 19, 2024, out of 24 cases confirmed positive so far 12 animals have recovered (4 cows,4 sheep, and 4 goats), two animals died (1 cattle and 1 goat), while 10 animals are still under treatment (5 cows, 4 goats, and 1 sheep).
Several interventions have been conducted since the disease’s outbreak in Ngoma district, including strengthened animal care such as spraying with pyrethroid acaricides and providing vaccinations, as well as human health monitoring through active follow-up of individuals in households with affected animals.
Moreover, ruminant animal movement was restricted in the district, and abattoir slaughter activities resumed under the condition that animals must test negative for the disease using RT-PCR before being slaughtered, free of charge.
A coordinated response is actually crucial for RVF outbreak response. Read this story published by The New Times to learn more on this.