The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform has issued a directive for the enforcement of tick control activities at all animal gathering events following the recent outbreak of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF).
The action is in line with the Animal Gathering Events Protocol, which aims to prevent the spread of the disease among livestock.
Dr Albertina Shilongo, the Chief Veterinary, said the directorate will conduct regular inspections and, when necessary, supervise tick control activities at identified high-risk animal establishments and auction facilities.
“Animal handlers are urged to ensure that animals are free from ticks and wear protective clothing whenever conducting any slaughtering procedure. Additionally, all animal producers are urged to apply approved Acaricides to control tick infestations,” Shilongo said.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services announced the recent outbreak of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) earlier this week.
The first case was reported in Gobabis, situated in the Omaheke region. Since 2016, a total of seven cases have been reported, resulting in three fatalities.
The directorate has warned that CCHF is a severe haemorrhagic viral disease that can be acquired by people through infected ticks, tick bites, contact with infected blood or tissues of wild or domestic animals, and physical contact with the body fluids of an infected person.
According to the ministry, infected animals may not show any clinical signs but could experience a mild fever.
However, in infected humans, symptoms appear suddenly and include fever, dizziness, neck pain and stiffness, backache, headache, sore eyes, and sensitivity to light.
“Early signs may also include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and sore throat, followed by sharp mood swings and confusion,” the ministry said.
