Namibia’s Directorate of Veterinary Services will conduct livestock inspections along the Namibia–South Africa border and at all animal gatherings following an outbreak of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) in South Africa.
“The Directorate of Veterinary Services within the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform would like to notify the public, particularly farmers, to exercise vigilance following the outbreak of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) in the Republic of South Africa. The cases were first reported on 14 November 2025, affecting 80 sheep in the Northern Cape, near Augrabies, which is about 40km from the Namibian border. Farmers are urged to report any animals (cattle, sheep, and goats) that exhibit suspicious signs to their nearest State Veterinary Offices,” said Kenneth Shoombe,Chief Veterinary Officer.
RVF is an insect-borne viral disease affecting cattle, sheep, goats, and ruminant wildlife, and it can also infect humans. “Infected animals can introduce the virus into areas where vectors are present and potentially expose other animals and humans to the infection,” added Shoombe. Humans may contract RVF through handling animal tissue during slaughter, butchering, assisting with births or disposing of carcasses or foetuses. Consumption of unpasteurised or undercooked milk from infected animals, or bites from infected mosquitoes, particularly Aedes species, also poses a risk. Certain occupational groups, including herders, farmers, slaughterhouse workers and veterinarians, face higher exposure.
Shoombe detailed clinical signs in animals, including numerous miscarriages, deaths among young animals, regurgitation, bloody diarrhoea and blood-stained nasal discharge. He said, “Cattle may experience yellow pigmentation of mucous membranes, excessive salivation, cessation of milk production and increased tear production. Young animals can die within 36 hours of symptom onset, while older animals may take longer to die or show no apparent signs.”
In humans, symptoms can include sudden flu-like fever, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and a rash. “There is no specific treatment or effective human vaccine, so it is important to raise awareness of risk factors and ensure people take protective measures to prevent exposure. Gloves and protective clothing should be worn when handling sick animals or their tissues or when slaughtering,”added Shoombe.
RVF in animals can be prevented through vaccination. “There are two types of vaccine available on the market: the live attenuated RVF vaccine and the inactivated (killed) vaccine. The inactivated vaccine is suitable for pregnant animals, as the live attenuated vaccine should not be used in pregnant animals as it can cause abortions and birth defects. Controlling the spread of RVF involves managing the vector population and protecting humans and animals from vector bites,” explained Shoombe.
He emphasised that all animal products, including blood, meat and milk, should be thoroughly cooked before consumption, and advised sleeping under mosquito nets and wearing long sleeves and trousers to reduce exposure. “Any person who has recently come into contact with sick animals, organs, or their body fluids and is manifesting the aforementioned signs, must seek medical attention at the nearest state hospital or medical facility,” warned Shoombe.
The Directorate of Veterinary Services will carry out inspections along the Namibia–South Africa border and at all animal gathering events. “Farmers are urged to collaborate with veterinary officials during livestock inspections. More information on Rift Valley Fever can be obtained from your local state veterinarian. The public and in particular farmers, must remain on high alert and report any suspected clinical cases to the nearest veterinary office,” concluded Shoombe.
