Rift Valley Fever Virus Detected in Apparently Healthy Cattle in Uganda

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from the National Animal Disease Diagnostics and Epidemiology Centre have published a new study on the genetic diversity of Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) strains circulating among livestock in Uganda. The study, which was financially supported by the Uganda Government, aimed to characterize and assess the genetic diversity of RVFV strains among cattle, goats, and sheep in four districts. The findings suggest that the detection of RVFV in apparently healthy cattle indicates ongoing, low-level viral circulation in Uganda, providing important insights for guiding RVF surveillance, control, and policymaking in the country.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study detected RVFV in 10 ELISA-positive samples from cattle, all of which tested positive for RVFV RNA using reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR).
  • Consensus sequences were successfully generated for six small (S) segments and one large (L) genome segment, revealing that all sequences belonged to lineage C and showed close genetic similarity to RVFV strains previously identified in Uganda, Kenya, Sudan, Madagascar, and Saudi Arabia.
  • The phylogenetic analysis revealed limited genetic diversity at both the nucleotide and amino acid levels.
  • The study suggests that the detection of RVFV in apparently healthy cattle indicates ongoing, low-level viral circulation in Uganda.
  • The findings provide important insights for guiding RVF surveillance, control, and policymaking in the country.

Statistics:

  • 833 blood samples were collected from cattle, goats, and sheep in four districts between January 2021 and May 2024.
  • 10 ELISA-positive samples tested positive for RVFV RNA using RT-qPCR.
  • 6 S segments and 1 L genome segment were successfully sequenced.
  • The study detected RVFV in 100% of ELISA-positive samples from cattle.

Sources:

  • National Animal Disease Diagnostics and Epidemiology Centre. "Detection and Molecular Characterization of Rift Valley Fever Virus in Apparently Healthy Cattle in Uganda." Pathogens, 2025, 14(7), 720. doi: 10.3390/pathogens14070720 (free version available at https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.3390/pathogens14070720)
  • Uganda Government (financial supporter)
  • MDPI AG (publisher of Pathogens)