The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has received a notification from the Namibian veterinary authorities regarding an outbreak of Rift Valley fever (RVf) in Namibia .

Rift Valley fever is a viral disease of 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.

Hunters planning to hunt in Namibia and to bring the meat back to South Africa are advised to contact the veterinary authorities of Namibia before hunting.

Trade restrictions have been placed on the following commodities from Namibia .

Please take note that the veterinary import permits already issued for these commodities are considered to be cancelled:

1. Live RVf susceptible ruminants (including game animals);
2. Venison, beef, mutton and goat meat not slaughtered at South African approved abattoirs; and
3. Milk (raw milk).

The Directorate: Animal Health will, however, continue to allow the following commodities into South Africa :

1. Pasteurised milk;
2. “Break dry” biltong, droë wors; and
3. Matured meat slaughtered at South African approved abattoirs.

The Directorate: Animal Health will remain in contact with the Namibian veterinary authorities and revise our restrictions soon to prevent unnecessary trade restrictions.

For more information, contact:

Ms Noncedo Vutula
Chief Director: Communication and Information
Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Tel: 012 319 7348
Cell: 082 523 4904
e-mail: CDCI@daff.gov.za
Web: www.daff.gov.za