This course is designed to build knowledge and skills for detecting, preventing and responding to Rift Valley fever (RVF) outbreaks. Topics include epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, laboratory diagnosis, prevention, surveillance, and outbreak investigation.
Study time
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12 hours, with 2-3 hours of study per week.
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Duration
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Languages currently available
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Target audience
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The primary audience is field veterinarians involved in RVF recognition, diagnosis and response. The course has been delivered for Eastern Africa, Southern Africa, Western Africa, the Near East and North Africa. The course is also relevant for Europe and Central Asia.
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Learning objectives
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- Describe the global distribution and significance of Rift Valley fever (RVF).
- Describe the key epidemiological features of RVF including risk factors and routes of transmission.
- Describe the pathogenesis and clinical signs of RVF.
- Explain how to collect and transport samples to enable laboratory diagnosis of RVF.
- Explain essential biosecurity practices to reduce risk of RVF transmission.
- Explain the risks of exposure to RVF for humans and safety considerations for human health.
- Explain the different objectives and key features of surveillance programs for RVF.
- Explain how to conduct an epidemiological investigation on a premises suspected of RVF.
- Summarize the advantages and disadvantages of available control measures for RVF.
- Explain the main considerations in the implementation of vaccination programs to control RVF.
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Course structure
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The course features two live sessions led by international RVF experts, eight self-paced interactive modules, and group discussions in an online forum. A multiple-choice assessment must be successfully completed to obtain the course certificate.
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Topics covered
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- Introduction to RVF and epidemiology.
- Clinical and laboratory diagnosis.
- Prevention and surveillance.
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