One Health investigation and response to a nationwide outbreak of Rift Valley fever in Rwanda – March to December 2022

• DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2024.100854
• Publication Date: 2024-07-04T17:13:33Z
• Authors: Leandre Ishema; Soledad Colombe; Fabrice Ndayisenga; Evodie Uwibambe; Eline Van Damme; Marie Meudec; Edson Rwagasore; Denyse Mugwaneza; Wim Van Bortel; Anselme Shyaka
• Keywords: Rift Valley Fever; Animal health; One Health

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is an emerging zoonotic mosquito-borne disease caused by Fever virus (RVFV), affecting both humans and animals. It endemic to Rwanda Tanzania Uganda which are adjacent countries, with possible transboundary transmissions. Despite the various outbreak reports in since 2012, information on intensity spread of these outbreaks their management scarce. We describe 2022 that happened provide insights into One Health response implemented during outbreak. There were no human cases officially reported. A total 1339 confirmed RVF animal identified from 21 March until 31 December 2022. The breakdown per livestock species showed 1285 (96%) cattle, 34 (3%) goats 20 (1%) sheep. Of cases, 516 died 1254 abortions registered, all affected species. was characterized extensive interventions such as spraying pyrethroid insecticides, vaccinations, active follow-up animals households cases. In first phase outbreak, movements slaughtering restricted highly regions. Gradually, abattoir slaughter activities resumed required test negative RT-PCR before slaughter. Remarkably, public services hospital laboratories supported capacity building veterinary laboratory scientists testing animals' samples. overall coordinated district cross-sectoral teams linking national community-level actors. Outbreak-related synthesized shared at level while strategies communicated communities through structures. Rwanda's provides a proof concept multisectoral efforts involving community members approach can offer efficient still protecting country's economy.