Action plan

The action plan is a set of instructions covering most aspects of the controls to be implemented during an RVF emergency, from the first indication that there is high risk of an outbreak of the disease to the finalization of the control programme and resumption of livestock exports (if appropriate).

Since veterinary structures differ from country to country, this chapter provides only a guideline of the actions to be carried out during the phases of an RVF outbreak. Each country should develop its own action plan in which the responsible person or persons are clearly identified. Lines of communication between livestock owners and field and national veterinary services must be identified and made known to all parties. These communication lines underpin the command structure to be activated in the event of suspected RVF. The success of implementation of the action plan depends on each link in the command chain functioning as specified in the plan.

INVESTIGATION PHASE

Countries that are deemed to be at high risk of RVF outbreaks (particularly those where the disease has previously occurred) should maintain a continual watch for epidemiological and climatic conditions that will give warning that an epizootic may be imminent, by:

• monitoring the susceptibility of ruminant animal populations by serological surveys and for evidence of any increased virus activity through sentinel herds and clinical surveillance in risk areas;
• ground observation of rainfall patterns and surface water;
• maintaining liaison with, and obtaining forecasts and advice from international institutions/groups that analyse RSSD for this purpose.

The risk of an RVF epizootic may be of such a high magnitude as to warrant moving straight into the operational phase (see below). However, whenever there is warning of the increased likelihood of RVF occurring, the following actions need to be taken:

• intensify active disease surveillance programmes in risk areas;
• initiate public education and awareness campaigns;
• advise relevant ministers;
• review the RVF contingency plan and support plans - in particular with regard to diagnostic capabilities and vaccine supply;
• enhance liaison and collaboration with animal health authorities in neighbouring countries that are also at risk.

ALERT PHASE

The alert phase commences when there is an actual field report of abortions and deaths in sheep, goats or cattle and/or illness in people suggestive of RVF. The immediate priorities are to secure a diagnosis and determine the extent of the infection. Actions to be taken include the following:

• the specialist diagnostic team (or emergency disease investigation team) should be sent to the suspect area(s) to make diagnostic and epidemiological evaluations, collect diagnostic specimens and take any necessary immediate disease control actions on site;
• confirmatory diagnostic tests should be carried out at the national laboratory or diagnostic specimens sent to an appropriate international laboratory;
• the actions recommended for the investigation stage (see above) should be elevated to an even higher level;
• activation of the agreed national RVF contingency plan should commence, and animal and human health authorities should collaborate closely;
• neighbouring and importing countries should be given advance warning of the possible presence of RVF.

OPERATIONAL PHASE

The operational phase may commence even before a definitive diagnosis of RVF is made. If it is forecast that there is a high risk of an imminent outbreak of the disease, serious consideration should be given to initiating vaccination and/or insect vector abatement programmes in high-risk areas.

When the disease is diagnosed, the operational phase should include the following actions:

• the CCEAD meets regularly to plan, implement and review the disease control campaign;
• appropriate international disease reporting is undertaken, e.g. to OIE and FAO;
• any necessary vaccination and/or insect vector abatement programmes are initiated;
• livestock movement controls are put in place;
• steps are taken to ameliorate the spread and severity of the disease in people and animals in affected areas;
• public awareness campaigns are intensified;
• active disease surveillance is carried out to determine the extent of the spread of the disease and the course of the outbreaks;
• negotiations are undertaken with importing countries with a view to minimizing international trade losses and to agree on measures to be taken before any bans can be lifted.

STAND-DOWN PHASE

When an RVF epizootic abates, emphasis should be given to helping affected livestock farming communities to recover and to initiate rehabilitation programmes that will enable them to "get on their feet again."

In the case of livestock-exporting countries, the emphasis should also be placed on undertaking detailed epidemiological studies to provide objective evidence that the RVF virus is no longer actively circulating in ruminant animal populations in either the whole country or in specific regions. This will provide the basis for lifting any international bans and for the resumption of vital exports.

Finally, the outbreak and control campaign should be reviewed in order to revise the RVF contingency plan where necessary.