Mauritania is grappling with an alarming rise in Rift Valley Fever (RVF) infections, with the Ministry of Livestock reporting active outbreaks spread across departments in eight regions.
Veterinary services initiated an early detection operation in August, which initially confirmed two outbreaks. Since then, samples have been analyzed, with testing positive for the viral disease.
In response to this situation, central and regional Mauritanian authorities have raised their alert level. They are strengthening surveillance, rapid reporting, and the quick transfer of samples to the reference laboratory. Authorities have also intensified the control and inspection of meat in slaughterhouses.
Rift Valley Fever primarily affects livestock (including sheep, goats, cattle, and camels) through mosquito bites. It can be transmitted to humans through direct contact with the blood and organs of infected animals during activities like slaughter, or through the consumption of contaminated meat and milk.
AK/ac/fss/abj/APA