Rwanda: Rift Valley Fever is now reported in Kamonyi District

The outbreak of Rift Valley fever (RVF) was reported in Kamonyi District, a few weeks after wreaking havoc in livestock in the eastern province

. District Rukoma, Kayenzi, Ngamba and Nyarubaka Districts

As of June 30, at least 11 cows were killed by Rift Valley fever and one cow is showing signs of RVF disease while 24 have aborted [19659005] The Rukoma area was the most affected by the epidemic with eight cows killed and one who showed the signs while five aborted.

Two other cows died from RVF in Ngamba, one in Kayenzi most abortion cases (19) were identified in the Nyarubaka area, where a cow also died

. Solange Uwituze, Deputy Director General for Animal Resources Research and Technology Transfer, said they were currently treating infected cows while immunization continued in the affected areas

. Farmers raising cows near the Nyabarongo River, unfortunately, the disease has spread in areas due to stagnant water caused by recent heavy rains, "she added:" We now vaccinate cows and calves that are not infected with RVF. She also advised breeders and the general public to wear protective equipment when treating or touching infected or dead cows for self-protection.

But she advised that the most important thing is that farmers should raise their cows in barns, saying that they are safer places for livestock. Before the Kamonyi strike, more than 100 cows were killed by Rift Valley Fever fever in Ngoma, Kirehe and Kayonza districts in eastern province last April.

However, Uwiteza said that despite the limited movement, the cattle business will continue to operate, but warned farmers to move animals away from wetlands.

Last year, the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources introduced a new livestock insurance scheme that will provide financial support to farmers in the event of the death of their livestock as a mechanism to minimize risks and losses that farmers encounter.

However, the program remains in progress.