Rwanda: Meat Prices Disrupted Amid Rift Valley Fever Outbreak
An outbreak of Rift Valley fever in Rwanda has led to strict livestock movement restrictions, causing significant financial losses for farmers and traders. Abattoirs in Kigali are experiencing supply shortages, which is disrupting meat prices across the country.
Why it matters
The outbreak highlights the economic vulnerability of the livestock sector to zoonotic diseases and the resulting impact on food supply chains.
George Gatarayiha, a cattle trader, used to purchase between 20 and 30 cows every week from Eastern Province and supply them to abattoirs in Kigali.However, the business has temporarily come to a halt following restrictions on the movement of cattle, sheep and goats due to the outbreak of Rift Valley fever.
Rift Valley fever is a severe viral zoonotic disease transmitted by mosquitoes and blood-feeding flies. It affects domestic ruminants and humans.
Gatarayiha told The New Times that the outbreak has resulted in significant losses across the livestock value chain.
"Besides trading cattle, I also own a farm in Kayonza District. Around 10 of my cows died before I realised it was due to Rift Valley fever. I had bought each cow for between Rwf800,000 and Rwf900,000 to rear on my farm. When a cow dies, it has to be buried. It is a total loss," he said.
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