Reducing the Threat of Rift Valley Fever through Ecology, Epidemiology, and Socio-Economics
Abstract
This project is designed to monitor sheep herds to determine when and how frequently sheep are exposed to the virus between outbreaks. We will look at how many people and animals are being exposed to RVF in a tropical region of South Africa, to compare with findings from a previous study in a drier grassland region of South Africa. This project will also seek to explain the traits of the mosquitoes that pass the virus through their eggs to the next generation of mosquitoes to help reduce the threat of this disease. Previous studies have estimated that the 2010 outbreak cost livestock producers in South Africa US$26.1 million. This does not include public health costs and business productivity losses from the thousands of people that likely had flu-like symptoms and had to miss work, nor the costs for the hundreds of people that became extremely ill, some of whom died. To truly assess the economic impact on a society, the project will take a comprehensive approach to assess the costs to all relevant sectors (e.g. agriculture, health, natural resources, etc.). It is likely that this estimate will be a reasonable estimate of what the U.S. would face, given that the South African agriculture sector is more similar to that of the U.S. than other countries currently affected by RVF. Lastly, we will take all of the data from the studies described above and use them to develop an early warning system in South Africa to predict when and where outbreaks might occur. If outbreaks can be predicted more precisely, farmers and governments could take actions to reduce the risk of a RVF outbreak. This research not only serves to protect American interests, but it supports South African government and farmers in preparing for, preventing and reducing the impact of RVF outbreaks.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Dec 03, 2019
- Source ID
- HDTRA11910033
Entities
People
- William Karesh
Organizations
- Defense Threat Reduction Agency
- EcoHealth Alliance