WINDHOEK, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- Namibia's Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Land Reform has issued a public alert following the confirmation of Rift Valley fever in neighboring South Africa.
The Directorate of Veterinary Services notified the public, particularly farmers, to exercise "extreme vigilance" after cases were first reported on Nov. 14 in Augrabies, in South Africa's Northern Cape province, just 40 km from the Namibian border.
The outbreak initially affected 80 sheep, the directorate said in a notice.
"Farmers are urged to report any animals (cattle, sheep, and goats) that exhibit suspicious signs to their nearest state veterinary offices," Chief Veterinary Officer Kennedy Shoombe said in the notice issued Thursday.
Rift Valley fever is an insect-borne viral disease of cattle, sheep, goats, and ruminant wildlife. It can also affect humans.
"Owners of farms in high-risk areas, close to water bodies, recently received rainfall and are experiencing increased biting fly activity, are urged to be particularly vigilant," Shoombe said.
He said animal products, including blood, meat, and milk, should be thoroughly cooked before eating, and humans should also sleep under mosquito nets and wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers to protect against bites.
Meanwhile, the Directorate of Veterinary Services will conduct livestock inspections along the Namibian-South African borders and at all animal gathering events, Shoombe said, urging farmers to work with veterinary officials during inspections. ■
