Rift Valley Fever in Camels in Northern Burkina Faso

Abstract

This study was done in three provinces located in Northern Burkina Faso, home of about 15705 camels. To investigate Rift Valley Fever (RVF) in these animals, serological examinations including Virus neutralization Test (VNT) were performed on 270 camel serum samples. Positive results were obtained in 140 (51.85%) camels thus tested. Seventy five percent of seropositive camels were adult ≥ than 4 years old and the remaining 25% were young ranging from 8 months to 4 years. The results of the questionnaires administrated during the sampling to the shepherds and owners showed that association of abortion and mortalities in young animals were often observed. The survey revealed that high prevalence of RVFV is observed in camels in the sahelian desert zone of Burkina Faso which is not routinely diagnosed. Recommendations for systematic RVF investigation in camels and others domestic ruminants were made in order to improve the animal productivity. Habitual consumption of raw milk and close contact with infected animals signify possible zoonotic importance of RVF in the studied area. A risk assessment of the disease should be also undertaken in order to understanding the epidemiology and knowledge of the disease in the country and the sahelian region.

Keywords: Serology, Camel, Rift Valley Fever, IgG, IgM, Seroneutralisation, Public health, Northern Burkina Faso.