Senegal Uses Advanced Genomics to Track Rift Valley Fever Outbreak

Senegal has successfully utilized advanced genomic sequencing to track and manage a Rift Valley fever outbreak in the Senegal River Basin. Supported by the IAEA, local researchers performed whole genome sequencing entirely within the country for the first time.
Why it matters
This marks a significant milestone in regional diagnostic capacity, enabling faster response times to zoonotic diseases that threaten both livestock and human health.
Image Credit: ChatGPT SHARE When an outbreak of Rift Valley fever (RVF) emerged in Senegal in September 2025, health and veterinary authorities faced an urgent challenge. The disease posed a serious threat to livestock, rural livelihoods and public health, particularly in regions where farming and animal husbandry are central to local economies.
The article provides a factual, science-based report on public health initiatives without political framing.
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