What is Rift Valley Fever (RVF)?

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is an acute viral disease that can cause severe disease in domestic animals (such as buffalo, camels, cattle, goats and sheep) and humans. Disease in these species is characterized by fever, severe illness, abortions, and a high morbidity and mortality rate.

The virus which causes RVF belongs to the genus Phlebovirus in the family Bunyaviridae. Many of the related Bunyaviridae viruses can cause fever and encephalitis. Another commonly known Bunyaviridae virus is the Hantavirus.

RVF is a disease listed under the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) Terrestrial