Rift Valley fever

Authors: Kimble, James - Brian; Noronha, Leela; TRUJILLO, JESSE - Kansas State University; Mitzel, Dana; RICHT, JUERGEN - Kansas State University; Wilson, William - Bill

Submitted to: Veterinary Clinics of North America
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/25/2024
Publication Date: 7/1/2024
Citation: Kimble, J.B., Noronha, L.E., Trujillo, J., Mitzel, D.N., Richt, J., Wilson, W.C. 2024. Rift Valley fever. Veterinary Clinics of North America. 40(2):293-304. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvfa.2024.01.004.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvfa.2024.01.004

Interpretive Summary: This book chapter provides an overview of the animal and human disease Rift Valley fever for North American veterinary practitioners that is not endemic in North America but a potential threat of introduction. The causative agent is a virus transmitted through bites by infected mosquitoes. In addtion to clinical signs associated with Rift Valley fever virus infection, current diagnostic and control strategies are discussed.

Technical Abstract: Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is a zoonotic viral disease that affects domestic and wild ruminants such as cattle, sheep, goats, camels, and buffaloes. Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), the causative agent of RVF, can also infect humans. RVFV is an arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) that is primarily spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes. RVFV was first isolated and characterized in the Rift Valley of Kenya in 1931 and is endemic throughout sub-Saharan Africa, including Comoros and Madagascar, the Arabian Peninsula (Saudi Arabia and Yemen), and Mayotte[1]. Highlighting the transboundary nature of RVFV was the first non-African outbreak that occurred in Saudi Arabia and Yemen in 2000 and various serological surveys that revealed its potential expansion to additional African and Middle Eastern countries [2]. Disease prevention in animals is best facilitated by vaccination, vector control programs and restrictions on livestock movement during outbreaks.