Rift Valley fever outbreak in Namibia

4 June 2010

The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has received an update from the Namibian veterinary authorities regarding the outbreak of Rift Valley fever in Namibia. The trade restrictions for Rift Valley fever that were placed on various commodities from Namibia have been lifted.

The import restrictions on venison, beef, mutton and goat meat for personal use or consumption have been lifted on condition that the meat is derived from animals that do not originate in areas under restrictions for Rift Valley fever.

Clients issued with permits for 200 kilograms of biltong who now wish to import venison must request a written dispensation from our permit office. The amount of biltong allowed will then be reduced to 100 kilograms.

The import of live susceptible animals from Namibia may resume with the condition that they may not be transported through a zone infected with Rift Valley fever and they must originate in an area that is not within a five kilometres radius of any farms under restriction for Rift Valley fever.

Rift Valley fever is a viral disease in animals that is spread by mosquitoes. It causes abortions in sheep, goats and cattle and can cause death in young animals.

Humans can get infected if they come into contact with blood and other body fluids from infected animals, or if they assist with abortions and handle infectious aborted material, like foetuses, placentas and placental fluids.

Humans may also contract Rift Valley fever during the slaughtering of infected animals and through the handling of carcasses and meat of recently slaughtered infected animals. Meat from any sick animal should not be handled or eaten.

For more information, contact:
Noncedo Vutula
Tel: 012 319 7348
Cell: 082 523 4904
E-mail: CDCI@daff.gov.za

Issued by: Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
4 June 2010