It is the first rapid test specific for Rift Valley Fever (RVF) virus

Developed by a CIRAD team in Réunion, this test, which can be carried out by taking blood samples from sick animals, offers promising results. It makes it possible to detect the Rift Valley Fever virus in the field at the onset of an epizootic (epidemic affecting animals).
"This rapid detection test identifies all strains of RVF virus. Based on antigen-antibody recognition, it provides an early warning of the disease," explains Catherine Cêtre-Sossah, our colleague virologist at ASTRE who developed the test. "One year ago, in December 2018 in Mayotte, this test made it possible to immediately discriminate RVF from other diseases that can be responsible for the severe abortions observed in animals, such as peste des petits ruminants, leptospirosis or salmonellosis... »

Rapid RVF virus detection

This instant diagnostic test allows the virus to be detected at the time of infection. An identification that only laboratories with containment level 3 could undertake until then and which will still be necessary to confirm the result in a second step.
In support of existing epidemiological surveillance networks, the test will make it possible to put in place preventive and early action measures to contain epizootic diseases. The sensitivity of the test will be further improved before it is placed on the market within two years. It may become an essential tool in the fight against the Rift Valley Fever virus. A patent on this test was filed in France on 13 July 2018.

Rift Valley Fever, a deadly zoonosis in Africa and the Indian Ocean

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a virus-transmitted disease that primarily affects ruminants (sheep, goats, cattle and camelids). A zoonotic virus, originating from the Rift Valley, present in Africa (West, Southern and East) and the Arabian Peninsula, it infects both animals and humans. This fever can be fatal (in 1-5% of cases in humans).
A vector-borne disease, it is favoured by the outbreak of certain species of mosquitoes that carry the disease. This tropical disease can lead to a consequent increase in abortions in animals and an excess of mortality in young adults. Restricted to Africa until the 2000s, the RVF virus could, in the long term, affect Europe, in connection with the extension of the geographical distribution of its vector mosquito species, partly due to global warming.

(Cirad Communication Press release)