Outbreak of Rift Valley Fever claims more lives
15 January 2007

Rift Valley Fever, a highly contagious virus spread through mosquito bites, has so far claimed around one hundred lives and an unknown number of livestock in the North Eastern and Coastal provinces of Kenya and southern Somalia.

The disease is transmitted to humans from livestock via mosquitoes or through contact with infected animals and is spreading due to the close contact that herdsmen in rural areas have with their livestock. The epidemic has been triggered by the recent extensive flooding in the region, as mosquitoes breed rapidly during floods.

Vaccination is vital to stop the spread of the virus and an emergency campaign is now underway which aims to inoculate more than two million cattle, sheep, goats and camels.

VETAID, a Scottish charity, is working with the UN Food and Agricultural Organisation with funds from the Central Emergency Relief Fund to administer vaccine to livestock in the projected path of the outbreak in Kenya, for the most part in remote, hard to access areas.

Robert Bowen, VETAID’s Regional Coordinator, stated “The impact of Rift Valley Fever is devastating to the already fragile livelihoods of rural farmers and herders, who rely on their animals for income and food. Families are unable to safely eat meat from their animals and - due to the closure of livestock markets - many are now unable to afford medical bills and school fees. This campaign is crucial to prevent more deaths and hardship.”

Back to Latest News