By: Kebba Ansu Manneh
The Gambia has recorded its first outbreak of Rift Valley Fever (RVF), a zoonotic viral disease that affects both livestock and humans, authorities announced today. The Department of Livestock Services (DLS) has implemented stringent containment measures to curb the spread, marking the country’s first confirmed cases since monitoring began.
Dr. Mustapha Manneh, Head of Disease Prevention and Control at DLS, confirmed the detections during an Interview with The Alkamba Times. Four female cattle in Kissima Jaw village, Jokadu District, North Bank Region (NBR), and one Mauritanian national residing in Kerr Ayib border village tested positive for the virus.
The animal cases emerged on October 21, 2025, when a farmer reported multiple abortions in his herd of 44 cattle. Four cows experienced premature abortions simultaneously. DLS launched an immediate investigation, examining the animals for RVF symptoms and collecting blood samples for testing. These were transported to the Central Veterinary Laboratory, where tests confirmed the presence of the Phlebovirus responsible for RVF.
“Upon notification, our team assessed the flock and initiated diagnostic protocols,” Dr. Manneh stated. “The positive results underscore the urgency of our response.”
Under the direction of Regional Director Mr. Madou Camara, DLS officials visited the site and enforced strict biosecurity protocols. These include restricting animal movement, isolating infected cattle from healthy ones, and disinfecting affected areas. On October 31, 2025, the NBR livestock director collaborated with Ministry of Health (MoH) officers for a joint assessment of the outbreak zone.
The human case occurred in a village in Senegal involving a 40-year-old Mauritanian male living in Kerr Ayib and working in nearby Kerr Ali. He sought treatment at Kerr Ayib Clinic in Senegal on October 11, 2025, one day after symptoms began, reporting acute fever and headache. An initial malaria test was negative, leading to advanced PCR testing that confirmed the presence of RVF.
Dr. Manneh detailed the timeline: “This marks the first laboratory-confirmed human infection in The Gambia, highlighting cross-border risks given the patient’s nationality and daily commute.”
In response, DLS and MoH convened weekly One Health coordination meetings to evaluate national preparedness. Stakeholders are seeking funding for a Joint Risk Assessment (JRA), community sensitization campaigns, and engagement activities. Surveillance has been intensified across regions, with enhanced monitoring for ruminants.
A cross-border effort intensified on October 27, 2025, when North Bank East Region (NBER) staff joined Senegalese surveillance officers for a field investigation—the mission aimed to map risk factors, transmission patterns, and containment strategies in affected border areas.
RVF, transmitted by insect vectors like mosquitoes or through direct contact with infected animal fluids, typically surges after heavy rains and flooding, creating ideal breeding grounds. In livestock—primarily cattle, sheep, and goats—it causes high abortion rates, fever, placental retention, weakness, depression, and neonatal deaths. Humans often experience flu-like symptoms, though severe cases can lead to hemorrhagic fever or death.
Dr. Manneh urged vigilance: “The public must report multiple abortions in ruminants to veterinary professionals immediately. Early detection is critical to preventing wider transmission.”
The outbreak coincides with recent regional rainfall patterns, raising concerns about potential escalation. DLS continues to collaborate with the MoH, international partners, and neighboring Senegal to bolster defenses. No additional human cases have been reported, but active case-finding is underway in high-risk communities.
Health experts emphasize the importance of preventive measures, including avoiding contact with animal blood or tissues, using insect repellents, and vaccinating livestock where feasible. The Gambia, which relies heavily on agriculture and cross-border trade, faces significant economic risks if the virus continues to spread unchecked.
Authorities assure the public that containment is a priority, with ongoing monitoring to prevent a larger epidemic. Residents in NBR and border villages are advised to adhere to biosecurity guidelines.
This development serves as a stark reminder of emerging zoonotic threats in West Africa, prompting calls for sustained investment in veterinary and public health infrastructure.
