Abstract

Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is a disease caused by Rift Valley Fever Virus (RVFV), which is an arbovirus. Arboviruses are a virus that is transmitted by an arthropod vector, in this case, a mosquito. The virus is a member of the Phlebovirus genus in the family Bunyaviridae. It was first identified in the Rift Valley in Kenya in 1930. The disease is a zoonosis but, mainly affects domestic ruminants inducing massive abortions and a high mortality among young animals. Sheep, cattle, goat, camel and human can be infected by the virus. Man acquires the infection from the infected animals and insect bites. The disease provokes flu syndrome in most human cases, but also severe encephalitic or haemorrhagic forms and death. RVF is one of the most important Transboundary Animal Diseases (TADs) which cross international borders with devastating effect on animal health and food security. It also leads to the jeopardization of international trade, RVF has a significant negative socio-economic impact during outbreaks in affected countries. which today is endemic to sub-Saharan Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Even though clinical disease has never been occurred in Ethiopia. Diagnosis is confirmed by isolation of virus, antibodies detection and antigene detection. Vaccination of animals, destruction of mosquitoes and restriction on the movement of animals during epizootic can help in the control.