[Epidemiology of Rift Valley fever in western Africa. I. Serologic survey in domestic ruminants of Burkina Faso].

A serosurvey of Rift valley fever virus infection has been conducted among 2,410 domestic ruminants (sheep, goats and cattle) from Burkina Faso in 1985, 1986 and 1987. An active circulation of virus was demonstrated and 26.7% of the total animal tested had Rift valley fever virus reacting antibodies. An epizootic was demonstrated retrospectively for 1987 and appears to correspond to the RVF outbreak observed in the same type of sahelian environment during the same year in Mauritania. Analogous ecoclimatic and environmental risk factors are discussed. Others phleboviruses such as Arumowot, Gordil, Saint-Floris, Gabek Forest and Odrenisrou seem to be active in some areas but no evidence of pathogenesis for domestic ruminants was demonstrated.