Kivaria Fredrick, Mucheru Gerald, Caudell Mark, Bebay Charles
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Nairobi, Kenya.
Trop Anim Health Prod. 2025 Jun 30;57(6):292. doi: 10.1007/s11250-025-04531-3.
Rift Valley fever (RVF) is an acute, vector-borne viral zoonotic disease primarily affecting cattle, sheep, goats, and camels with significant public health and socio-economic impacts. The disease, caused by the Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), has a complex epidemiology involving multiple vertebrate hosts and mosquito vectors. RVF outbreaks are often associated with prolonged rainfall and flooding, leading to periodic epizootics in endemic regions and potential spread to new areas. Despite its severe consequences, RVF has historically received inadequate attention in international public health efforts. However, its recent classification as a potential bioterrorism agent has spurred global interest in diagnostics and vaccine development. The disease's epidemiology is further complicated by factors such as climate change, uncontrolled urbanization, and increased global movement of livestock. An important aspect of RVF's epidemiology is the observed epidemiologic shift, characterized by changes in disease patterns, mortality rates, and the dynamics of virus transmission. Effective control and prevention of RVF require a multifaceted approach, including vaccination, vector control, and public education. The One Health approach, which promotes multisectoral and multidisciplinary collaboration, is essential for addressing the complex epidemiological pathways of RVF. Future research should focus on understanding the disease's dynamics during inter-epidemic periods, improving surveillance systems, and developing effective vaccines and therapeutics. Strengthening preparedness and response capacities in affected regions is crucial to mitigate the impacts of potential RVF outbreaks.
裂谷热是一种急性、媒介传播的病毒性人畜共患病，主要影响牛、羊、山羊和骆驼，对公共卫生和社会经济有重大影响。该疾病由裂谷热病毒（RVFV）引起，具有复杂的流行病学特征，涉及多种脊椎动物宿主和蚊媒。裂谷热疫情通常与长期降雨和洪水有关，导致流行地区周期性的动物疫情，并有可能传播到新的地区。尽管其后果严重，但裂谷热在国际公共卫生工作中历来受到的关注不足。然而，其最近被列为潜在的生物恐怖主义制剂，激发了全球对诊断和疫苗开发的兴趣。气候变化、不受控制的城市化和全球牲畜流动增加等因素使该疾病的流行病学更加复杂。裂谷热流行病学的一个重要方面是观察到的流行病学转变，其特征是疾病模式、死亡率和病毒传播动态的变化。有效控制和预防裂谷热需要采取多方面的方法，包括疫苗接种、媒介控制和公众教育。促进多部门和多学科合作的“同一健康”方法对于应对裂谷热复杂的流行病学途径至关重要。未来的研究应侧重于了解疾病在流行间期的动态、改善监测系统以及开发有效的疫苗和治疗方法。加强受影响地区的防范和应对能力对于减轻潜在裂谷热疫情的影响至关重要。
