The recent discovery of Rift Valley Fever, which has caused nearly 70 known human infections and two fatalities thus far, has resulted in the nation’s Ministry of Agriculture halting all exports of meat and meat products of ruminants such as sheep, goats, cattle,camels and buffaloes.

Meanwhile, Namibia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry issued an immediate and full ban on importing such meat products from South Africa.

The potentially fatal Rift Valley Fever can be spread to humans through mosquitoes or contact with and consumption of infected animal flesh or milk of infected animals.

As the disease can be difficult to diagnose in the animals, avoidance of meat and meat products is recommended.

South African and Namibian officials, our appreciation for your precautionary measures to protect the lives of citizens.

We are saddened to know of the human toll of this disease and pray that everyone soon opts for the safe and humane plant-based diet to ensure healthy peace of mind for ourselves and our loved ones.

http://www.newera.com.na/article.php?articleid=10114
http://allafrica.com/stories/201003250075.html
http://www.namibian.com.na/news/full-story/archive/2010/march/article/sa-meat-imports-banned-rift-valley-fever-
alarm/