Rift Valley Fever and above-average rains

[Mercy Kahenda, Standard]

I am a resident of Kajiado County, and I raise goats, sheep, and cattle on my ancestral farm, which is fenced off from neighboring farms. Recently, I heard radio announcements warning of a heightened risk of Rift Valley fever following the above-average rains experienced in January. I'm concerned about whether my animals could be at risk and what measures I can take to prevent them from being infected.

Dear Samuel, thank you for your timely question. Despite your animals being within a fenced area, they could still be at risk. While fencing protects them from predators and other diseases spread by vectors, Rift Valley fever is primarily spread by several types of mosquitoes.