Talitha Pharma

Talitha Pharma Talitha Pharma® (Pty) Ltd went to market in August 2013. We are committed to Powering Profitable Sustainable Strategic Farming.

We supply primary animal health remedies for livestock. Our LHeaP programme garantees increase in lambing, calving & weaning % For all your Livestock Health and Production needs, our Veterinarian and Customer Experience Consultants are at hand

TaliMune SUPER is formulated with targeted:- vitamins, - ⁠trace minerals,- ⁠organic acids and- ⁠antioxidant compounds de...
19/02/2026

TaliMune SUPER is formulated with targeted:
- vitamins,
- ⁠trace minerals,
- ⁠organic acids and
- ⁠antioxidant compounds
designed to support
- metabolic recovery,
- ⁠immune function and
- ⁠inflammatory modulation
in stressed or compromised animals.

A convenient once-off drench at 200 ml per 100 kg body weight, providing rapid supportive care when it matters most.




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THE STARTING POINT MATTERS IN FMD MANAGEMENTWhen animals show weakness during an FMD outbreak, the first reaction is oft...
17/02/2026

THE STARTING POINT MATTERS IN FMD MANAGEMENT

When animals show weakness during an FMD outbreak, the first reaction is often to reach for an antibiotic.

Antibiotics have their place. They are important when managing secondary bacterial infections. But in Foot-and-Mouth Disease, one of the earliest and most damaging changes is not bacterial, it is loss of appetite.

When animals stop eating:
• The rumen slows down• Energy availability drops • Immune strength weakens • Recovery becomes slower • Production losses increase

Scientific literature consistently shows that FMD infection leads to reduced feed intake due to oral and systemic effects, and that production losses during outbreaks are closely linked to these metabolic and intake challenges (Alexandersen et al., 2003; Knight-Jones & Rushton, 2013).

In simple terms, when intake drops, strength drops. And when strength drops, everything else becomes harder.

This is why the starting point matters.

Before managing complications, stabilise the animal:
• Support hydration • Provide quick available energy • Restore internal balance • Support immune resilience

Vaccination remains the cornerstone of specific immunity in FMD control programmes. It prepares the immune system to recognise and respond to the virus.
Supportive management strengthens the whole animal, improving its ability to cope with stress, maintain metabolic balance and recover. These two approaches are not in competition. They serve different roles.
- Specific immunity prepares
- Strength and resilience sustain.

TaliMune SUPER is well positioned as a supportive intervention during disease pressure, vaccination periods and recovery phases. It supports appetite recovery, energy availability and internal balance; helping animals regain strength during critical periods.

Survival is not accidental. It is managed.

TaliMune SUPER – Giving a Survival Chance.

References (Scientific Context)
1. Alexandersen, S., Zhang, Z., Donaldson, A.I., & Garland, A.J.M. (2003). The pathogenesis and diagnosis of Foot-and-Mouth Disease. Journal of Comparative Pathology, 129, 1–36.
2. Knight-Jones, T.J.D., & Rushton, J. (2013). The economic impacts of Foot-and-Mouth Disease – What are they and where do they occur? Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 112, 161–173.





For more regular update, follow our WhatsApp channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaxrInBJZg44mnriMa2G

Foot-and-Mouth DISEASE IS NOT JUST A VETERINARY ISSUE – it’s a threat to animal survival, food security, and livelihoods...
31/01/2026

Foot-and-Mouth DISEASE IS NOT JUST A VETERINARY ISSUE – it’s a threat to animal survival, food security, and livelihoods.

Join leading veterinary experts for a National CPD Webinar on FMD:
📅 11 February 2026 | 09:00–13:00
🎓 CPD accredited for SAVC registrants

Practical insights, real outbreak experience, and science-based guidance for vets, AHTs, farmers, extension officers, and students.
👉 Register here: 3d3a95d1-4abc-40e5-afe5-c679162f3bdc@e10b6d22-9080-48de-926e-794e71f0236d" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/3d3a95d1-4abc-40e5-afe5-c679162f3bdc@e10b6d22-9080-48de-926e-794e71f0236d

Holding the Line Between Accountability and Unity in the FMD CrisisDr Danie Odendaal raises valid and important concerns...
24/01/2026

Holding the Line Between Accountability and Unity in the FMD Crisis

Dr Danie Odendaal raises valid and important concerns about the systemic failures within South Africa’s animal health system that have contributed to the ongoing foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) crisis. Few in the livestock sector would dispute that weaknesses in planning, surveillance, vaccine availability, movement control, and communication have materially worsened the outbreak.

These issues demand accountability and urgent reform.

However, it is increasingly concerning that debates which should remain firmly focused on institutional performance and technical capacity are at risk of deteriorating into racial or identity-based narratives. This shift is not only unhelpful – it is dangerous.
FMD is not a political problem. It is not a racial problem. It is a national biosecurity and economic problem.
Its impact cuts across all farming systems – communal and commercial, emerging and established. The virus does not discriminate, and neither should our response.

At a time when livelihoods, food security, and export markets are under threat, we cannot afford divisive discourse that fragments stakeholders who must, by necessity, work together.

The real challenge is systemic and institutional: building an animal health system that is responsive, credible, and operationally effective. This requires inclusive, solution-oriented leadership, including the meaningful integration of private veterinarians and organised industry bodies as equal partners in outbreak management.

We must be uncompromising on accountability – but equally disciplined in how we frame the debate. The real enemy is not each other, but weak systems and institutional failure.

FMD demands unity of purpose, not division of identity.

THE PERFECT STORM: Why preparedness matters more than panicFollowing the summer rains, farmers are operating in a season...
08/01/2026

THE PERFECT STORM: Why preparedness matters more than panic

Following the summer rains, farmers are operating in a season where multiple pressures are converging at the same time. High-impact viral diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and Rift Valley fever (RVF) coexist with endemic and seasonal challenges, including Blue tongue, lumpy skin disease, orf, Brucellosis, clostridial diseases, tick-borne infections and foot rot. Many of these conditions present with similar early signs and are not easily distinguishable without expert assistance.

There is no predictable sequence and no single culprit to focus on. Any one of these challenges may strike first, or several at once. By definition, this combination of timing, interaction and uncertainty fits what can best be described as a perfect storm.
Yet a perfect storm does not automatically mean panic.

In many industries, periods of complexity are where systems, preparation and calm decision-making matter most. Farming is no different. Seasons like these separate reaction from readiness, not because prepared farmers face fewer challenges, but because their animals and systems are better able to respond when pressure mounts.

This reality highlights a simple truth: preparedness happens before the storm arrives. When animals are in good condition and immune systems are supported, farmers retain options. Vaccination decisions are safer, treatments work as intended, and responses are measured rather than rushed.

This is where the idea of starting right becomes especially relevant. Strong foundations do not prevent storms, but they shape how animals cope when challenges converge.

A perfect storm is defined by convergence, not catastrophe. Uncertainty is unavoidable, but vulnerability is not. In seasons like this, resilience is built through discipline, doing the right things, in the right order, before pressure peaks.
Preparedness is not about doing more. It is about starting right. And in a perfect storm, that discipline is what turns complexity into control.

For further guidance, join the Talitha Wamafama WhatsApp Group for personalised support from Talitha’s veterinarians and Customer Experience Consultants (CECs): Owethu (MaMaduna): 081 328 1061, Siyavuya (Jwarha): 081 357 4640, Nosive (MaDlamini): 069 490 4288, Odwa (Jwarha): 060 190 1283.

To Join WhatsApp Group follow this link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/HTON2r2z0KbGWXIohOqe1z?mode=hqrt1




THE STARTING POINT - When your Livestock is DistressedAs the year begins, following the summer rains, farmers are often ...
23/12/2025

THE STARTING POINT - When your Livestock is Distressed

As the year begins, following the summer rains, farmers are often faced with a range of seasonal challenges. Disease pressure typically increases during this period, with conditions such as foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), Rift Valley fever, lumpy skin disease, bluetongue, and various bacterial infections becoming more common. Many of these conditions are not easily distinguishable without expert assistance, yet their early signs often present in similar ways, animals that are weak, stressed, off-feed, or losing condition.

When livestock farmers are faced with weak, distressed, or poorly conditioned animals, the knee-jerk reaction - often from peer advice - is to inject a popular oxytetracycline, a vitamin B-complex, or to jump straight into deworming. These actions are familiar and accessible. The real question is: are they the right starting point?

1. Putting it into Perspective

Oxytetracyclines play an important role in treating or preventing bacterial and opportunistic infections. However, they do not restore body condition or rebuild immunity.

Vitamin B-complex supports appetite and energy metabolism, but its scope is limited. On its own, it cannot correct the broader vitamin and mineral deficiencies common in poorly conditioned animals.

Deworming is an essential parasite-control tool and may be necessary in poorly conditioned animals. However, deworming often places animals on a rising plane of nutrition, creating conditions that favour the rapid proliferation of Cl. perfringens type D - the bacteria causing pulpy kidney. For this reason, pulpy kidney vaccination is recommended before any deworming programme.

Vaccination, as a principle, must be done in healthy animals. Vaccinating weak or sick animals carries real risk, including poor immune response, severe stress reactions, and in rare cases, death.

None of these interventions are wrong. It is a matter of when and how they are used.

2. Why the Starting Point Matters

Poorly conditioned animals must be reconditioned first so the immune system can respond properly. Well-supported animals vaccinate more safely, cope better with the stress of deworming, and recover faster when antibiotics are used. Starting with reconditioning prevents unintended consequences and ensures every treatment delivers its full benefit.

3. TaliMune PLUS – The Starting Point

TaliMune PLUS provides a broad-spectrum combination of essential vitamins and minerals to:
•⁠ ⁠Recondition animals nutritionally
•⁠ ⁠Strengthen immune function
•⁠ ⁠Improve vaccine response
•⁠ ⁠Reduce treatment-related stress
•⁠ ⁠Accelerate recovery after deworming or antibiotic use

TaliMune PLUS does not replace vaccines, dewormers, or antibiotics. It prepares the animal so these interventions can be used safely and effectively.

4. In Summary

Strategic animal health starts with the right preparation. By reconditioning animals first, farmers reduce risk, improve treatment outcomes, and protect their investment. TaliMune PLUS prepares the animal so vaccination is safer, deworming is more effective, and treatments work as intended.

TaliMune PLUS is the foundation and the starting point of strategic animal health management and may be used for 3-days every month to keep your in top performance state.

For further guidance, Join the Talitha Wamafama WhatsApp Group for personalised support from Talitha’s veterinarians and CECs: Owethu (MaMaduna): 081 328 1061, Siyavuya (Jwarha): 081 357 4640, Nosive (MaDlamini): 069 490 4288, Odwa (Jwarha): 060 190 1283

To Join WhatsApp Group follow this link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/HTON2r2z0KbGWXIohOqe1z?mode=hqrt1



FARMING THROUGH A WET SEASON: WHAT STRATEGIC FARMERS DO DIFFERENTLYThe wet season brings green pastures, fuller dams and...
17/12/2025

FARMING THROUGH A WET SEASON: WHAT STRATEGIC FARMERS DO DIFFERENTLY

The wet season brings green pastures, fuller dams and healthier animals. It also brings risks that may quietly reduce fertility, survival and growth if farmers do not prepare.

Strategic Farmers understand that success through wet-season is not accidental, but it takes planning and active management.

This season is also unique in that many migrant farmers, including executives, professionals, mines and different industry workers, weekend and long-distance farmers return home during the festive period. It becomes the ideal time in the year to properly inspect livestock, correct problems, set new objectives and plan ahead. Strategic Farmers use this window wisely, knowing that decisions made now determine performance later.

1. Wet Conditions Start in the Kraal

Problems often begin where animals stand every day. Wet manure and muddy kraals soften hooves, encourage bacteria and allow foot rot to spread quickly. Animals become uncomfortable, eat less and lose condition. Fertility and growth soon follow. Strategic Farmers act early, keeping kraals as dry and clean as possible before small issues become costly losses.

2. External Parasites Multiply After Rain

After rain and warm sunshine, ticks, midges and flies increase rapidly. They stress animals, reduce feed intake and spread disease. Strategic Farmers respond first by dipping more frequently in summer season. Consistent dipping, and not over reliance on injectable endectocides (ivermectin/ doramectin) which are only effective agains one tick type, remains the foundation of parasite control and protects productivity when disease pressure is highest.

3. Be Ready for Wet-Season Diseases

Wet seasons create ideal conditions for diseases carried by ticks, flies, mosquitoes and midges. This leads to a rise in gallsickness, redwater (common in cattle) and heartwater (common in small stock), as well as fly-associated conditions like pink eye. At the same time, increased mosquito and midge activity raises the risk of vector-borne diseases such as Rift Valley Fever, Blue tongue and Lumpy Skin Disease. Foot rot also becomes more common in persistently wet areas.

These problems escalate quickly if livestock are not checked regularly. Strategic Farmers prioritise early detection and prompt treatment, preventing small issues from developing into major losses.

4. Managing From a Distance Needs Structure

Many farmers do not live where their livestock are kept. They rely on family members or herdsmen.

Strategic Farmers plan for this reality. They give clear instructions, plan interventions ahead of time and align health decisions with breeding and production goals. This is the thinking behind Talitha’s Livestock Health and Production (LHeaP) programme, structured support that helps farmers manage effectively, even from far away.

5. Productivity Depends on Preparation

A wet season creates opportunities, but only for farmers who plan. Heavy rains, sudden temperature changes, rising parasite pressure and increased disease exposure all place animals under stress. Stress is exactly the condition where TaliMune PLUS becomes indispensable: it helps supplement what may be missing from lush but nutritionally inconsistent green grass, maintains body condition, strengthens immunity, and supports fertility so that reproduction continues uninterrupted.

When Strategic Farmers follow the LHeaP approach, the wet season becomes a springboard for healthier livestock, stronger pregnancies, better survival and higher weaning weights. Those who invest now reap the benefits later.

For further guidance, join the Talitha Wamafama WhatsApp Group for personalised support from Talitha’s veterinarians and Customer Experience Consultants (CECs):
📞 Owethu (MaMaduna): 081 328 1061
📞 Siyavuya (Jwarha): 081 357 4640
📞 Nosive (MaDlamini): 069 490 4288
📞 Odwa (Jwarha): 060 190 1283
To Join WhatsApp Group follow this link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/HTON2r2z0KbGWXIohOqe1z?mode=hqrt1




WHY STRATEGIC FARMERS PREPARE THEIR RAMS & EWES WITH TaliMune PLUS + TaliRox 34 BEFORE MATINGMany farmers focus on body ...
08/12/2025

WHY STRATEGIC FARMERS PREPARE THEIR RAMS & EWES WITH TaliMune PLUS + TaliRox 34 BEFORE MATING

Many farmers focus on body condition when preparing rams and ewes for mating. But the biggest threats to fertility often can’t be seen from the outside. Parasites quietly reduce conception rates, weaken cycling, and even affect mating behaviour.
This is why more strategic farmers now use a TaliRox 34 clean-out, followed by TaliMune PLUS, to prepare their flocks for a productive season.

How Worms Reduce Fertility (Even in “Healthy” Animals)

In rams, parasites weaken semen quality, reduce libido, and drain energy. Nasal worms and bots can even affect a ram’s ability to smell and identify ewes in heat — meaning fewer ewes are served.

In ewes, worms weaken heat cycles, reduce ovulation, and increase early pregnancy loss. Nasal bots can also interfere with mothering behaviour and lamb recognition after birth.
Parasites quietly steal your production long before you see weight loss.

Why Farmers Trust TaliRox 34 Before Mating

TaliRox 34 gives a strong, broad-spectrum clean-out that helps reset the flock before breeding. Farmers choose it because it:
✔ Lowers parasite pressure during the most important season
✔ Helps rams detect ewes in heat and perform better
✔ Helps ewes cycle properly and conceive earlier
✔ Supports better behaviour, bonding, and lamb recognition after birth
A clean flock at mating performs better, behaves better — and produces more lambs.

TaliMune PLUS — The Real Engine of Fertility

After deworming, animals need immunity, strength, and reproductive energy. This is where TaliMune PLUS becomes essential.

TaliMune PLUS helps rams and ewes to:
✔ Restore immune balance after parasite stress
✔ Improve fertility and conception rates
✔ Strengthen early pregnancy development
✔ Produce richer colostrum and stronger lambs
✔ Recover faster after lambing, returning to cycle sooner

Parasite control prepares the body. TaliMune PLUS prepares the animal.

The Strategic Mating Plan

1. Deworm with TaliRox 34 (2–4 weeks before mating)
2. Give TaliMune PLUS for 3 days to boost immunity and fertility
3. Repeat TaliMune PLUS before lambing to improve intra-lambing health, boost colostrum quality, and produce strong, healthy lambs.
The Result? More Lambs. Stronger Lambs. Better Income.

When your flock enters mating season clean, strong, and boosted, everything changes. More ewes conceive. More lambs survive. More money stays on your farm. TaliRox 34 resets the flock. TaliMune PLUS drives production. Together, they turn mating season into profit season.

For further guidance, Join the Talitha Wamafama WhatsApp Group for personalised support from Talitha’s veterinarians and CECs: Owethu (MaMaduna): 081 328 1061, Siyavuya (Jwarha): 081 357 4640, Nosive (MaDlamini): 069 490 4288, Odwa (Jwarha): 060 190 1283

WhatsApp Group link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/HTON2r2z0KbGWXIohOqe1z?mode=wwt



06/12/2025



ARE YOUR COWS CALVING? AIM FOR 100% WEANING!SureWean RTU prevents diarrhoea from 2 days of age by:- Stopping harmful bac...
04/12/2025

ARE YOUR COWS CALVING? AIM FOR 100% WEANING!

SureWean RTU prevents diarrhoea from 2 days of age by:
- Stopping harmful bacteria early
- Building strong gut bacteria
- Strengthening and healing the gut wall
- Preventing dehydration
- Boosting immunity and growth
Result:
Stronger calves, lambs, and kids — fewer scours — better survival — better weaning.

For guidance, support, and personalised advice: Join the Talitha Wamafama WhatsApp Group, where qualified veterinarians and CECs are ready to assist or contact Talitha CECs directly: Owethu (MaMaduna): 081 328 1061, Siyavuya (Jwarha): 081 357 4640, Nosive (MaDlamini): 069 490 4288 and Odwa (Jwarha): 060 190 1283
https://chat.whatsapp.com/HTON2r2z0KbGWXIohOqe1z?mode=wwt



WHY MORE STRATEGIC FARMERS ARE TURNING TO TALIROX 34 (for their sheep, goats, and cattle)Many farmers rotate between the...
26/11/2025

WHY MORE STRATEGIC FARMERS ARE TURNING TO TALIROX 34 (for their sheep, goats, and cattle)

Many farmers rotate between the well-known dewormers, believing they are breaking the chain of worm resistance. But the reality is this: most of these products - even though they come in different brand names - contain the same active ingredients, Albendazole and Closantel, which fall under anthelmintic Groups 2 and 4.

These actives do play an important role, especially as an early starter for lambs to deal with tapeworm. However, simply switching between different brand names without changing the active ingredients has no benefit to delaying worm resistance, instead, this can increase the risk of worms adapting and becoming harder to control over time.

This is where TaliRox 34 comes in. Strategic farmers understand that because TaliRox 34 contains Levamisole (Group 3) and Rafoxanide (Group 4) - completely different actives from the commonly used drenches - it becomes a wise choice for long-term, sustainable worm control. Not only does TaliRox 34 effectively target all the major parasites covered by the common drenches (except tapeworm), and work safely in cattle, sheep, and goats, but it also brings additional hidden advantages that support stronger, healthier livestock.

1.⁠ ⁠Levamisole Hits Worms From a Different Angle

While many farmers continue using the same Albendazole/Closantel combinations or single formulations, Levamisole works differently:
•⁠ ⁠It refreshes your worm-control system
•⁠ ⁠⁠It helps break cycles of resistance
•⁠ ⁠⁠It delivers a clean, fast knockdown on roundworms
•⁠ ⁠⁠It supports the immune response - especially valuable during stress

Adding TaliRox 34, which includes Levamisole, helps protect the future of your worm remedies, ensuring you still have effective worm management tools for years to come.

2.⁠ ⁠Rafoxanide Strengthens Your Defence Where Livestock Need It Most

Rafoxanide brings powerful support against tough parasites such as:
•⁠ ⁠Adult liver fluke - in cattle, sheep, and goats
•⁠ ⁠⁠Blood-sucking worms (wireworm)
•⁠ ⁠⁠Nasal bot( all stages) - in sheep and goats

This is especially important for farmers in:
•⁠ ⁠wet or marshy areas
•⁠ ⁠⁠communal grazing zones
•⁠ ⁠⁠places with heavy seasonal parasite pressure

Together, Levamisole + Rafoxanide make TaliRox 34 a strong, balanced solution.

3.⁠ ⁠TaliRox 34 Works Best at Key Strategic Moments

Strategic Farmers get the best results by using TaliRox 34 at strategic times:

a)⁠ ⁠Before mating
Rams, bucks, bulls, and females need to be in top condition.
Lower parasite pressure → stronger animals → better fertility → higher conception rates.

b)⁠ ⁠Before lambing/kidding/calving
This is a high-demand period. The ewe or cow must feed herself and prepare for her offspring. High parasite load at this stage can affect: body condition, colostrum quality, may lead to late stage abortions, weak lamb/kid/calf at birth

c)⁠ ⁠In winter
When grazing is poor and the cold weakens animals, worms find refuge in the animals.
Levamisole is well known for supporting immunity, helping animals stay stronger through the cold season.

IMPORTANT: TaliRox 34 Does Not Treat Tapeworm. When working with young lambs, kids or calves, always start with a tapeworm-effective product if tapeworm signs are present. Then follow with TaliRox 34 during the growing phase or at weaning.

Signs of tapeworm include:
- “rice-grain” segments in dung
- sudden weight dips
- poor growth in young animals

Use TaliRox 34 strategically after addressing tapeworm where needed.

4.⁠ ⁠TaliRox 34 Is Practical for Mixed Herds

This is one of its biggest advantages:
One dewormer for cattle, sheep, and goats. This means:
•⁠ ⁠No confusion about species labels
•⁠ ⁠⁠No risk of giving the wrong product to the wrong animal
•⁠ ⁠⁠Simpler, cleaner record-keeping
•⁠ ⁠⁠More cost-effective farm management
•⁠ ⁠⁠Ideal for communal farmers, mixed herds, and commercial farmers
One bottle → all treated.

REMEMBER: Worms steal blood, compete for nutrients, and weaken your livestock. Any worm programme works better when supported by TaliMune PLUS. Using your worm remedy of choice together with TaliMune PLUS helps livestock to:
•⁠ ⁠Speed up recovery
•⁠ ⁠⁠Return to good condition
•⁠ ⁠⁠Prepare properly for production stages like: mating, lambing/kidding/calving, producing high-quality colostrum, producing enough milk for the offspring, returning to reproductive readiness sooner, thus narrowing the inter calving / lambing period.

This is the real secret behind profitable, sustainable farming - FROM MATING TO WEANING.

In Summary

Strategic farmers choose TaliRox 34 because they know that:
•⁠ ⁠Changing brand names alone does not slow down resistance
•⁠ ⁠The key is to switch the active ingredients, not just manufacturers
•⁠ ⁠TaliRox 34 mode of action is completely different from popular drenches
•⁠ ⁠⁠It is not the multiplicity of ingredients in a combination that matters, but the balance, and practicality of the scope.
•⁠ ⁠⁠Deworming should match production goals - not the calendar
•⁠ ⁠⁠TaliMune PLUS is the backbone of production- FROM MATING TO WEANING - it restores both males and females to prime production, irrespective of the effective deworming programme followed

TAKE NOTE: Vaccination against Pulpy kidney disease using OBP’s Pulpy kidney vaccine before deworming smallstock is key.

For guidance, support, and personalised advice: Join the Talitha Wamafama WhatsApp Group, where qualified veterinarians and CECs are ready to assist or contact Talitha CECs directly: Owethu (MaMaduna): 081 328 1061, Siyavuya (Jwarha): 081 357 4640, Nosive (MaDlamini): 069 490 4288 and Odwa (Jwarha): 060 190 1283
https://chat.whatsapp.com/HTON2r2z0KbGWXIohOqe1z?mode=wwt



RIFT VALLEY FEVER: WHY STRATEGIC FARMERS MUST PREPARE BEFORE AN OUTBREAKRift Valley Fever (RVF) is one of the most destr...
15/11/2025

RIFT VALLEY FEVER: WHY STRATEGIC FARMERS MUST PREPARE BEFORE AN OUTBREAK

Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is one of the most destructive diseases affecting sheep, goats and cattle. When it arrives, it strikes fast, causing high abortion rates, sudden deaths in newborn lambs and kids, weak offspring, and long-term fertility setbacks. For many farmers, a single outbreak can undo years of progress. To protect flocks and herds, preparation must begin long before the first case is reported.

How Rift Valley Fever Spreads

RVF is primarily spread by mosquitoes, especially after heavy rains, standing water and warm conditions that allow mosquito populations to explode.
Once mosquitoes pick up the virus, they move rapidly between animals, spreading the disease across entire flocks.

RVF can also spread through:
* Contact with infected blood
* Handling aborted foetuses or stillborn lambs/calves
* Exposure during slaughter

Because mosquitoes breed aggressively and move freely, RVF outbreaks escalate within days, leaving little time to react once signs start appearing. This is why strategic farmers act before the outbreak, not during it.

Building Immunity Before the Disease Strikes

Strong immunity does not prevent infection, but it helps animals fight back. Animals with a resilient immune system:
* Handle stress better
* Maintain condition
* Recover faster
* Are less likely to succumb to complications
* Support healthier pregnancies and offspring

This is where TaliMune PLUS becomes indispensable. TaliMune PLUS strengthens general immunity in both small and large stock, making animals more resilient when disease pressure rises, including during RVF outbreaks.

TaliMune PLUS does not replace vaccination, but it significantly improves the animal’s ability to withstand disease challenges. For strategic farmers, TaliMune PLUS is a non-negotiable part of the toolkit, especially heading into high-risk rainfall seasons.

Vaccination: The Cornerstone of RVF Prevention

While strong immunity is essential, vaccination remains the primary defence against RVF. OBP provides two forms of the vaccine, and correct use is critical:

1. LIVE (attenuated) RVF vaccine
* Provides strong, long-lasting protection
* Must NOT be used in pregnant animals
* Ideal for non-pregnant ewes, does, cows, and heifers
* Best administered before the breeding season

2. INACTIVATED (killed) RVF vaccine
* Safe for pregnant animals
* Safe during lactation
* Suitable for herds or flocks with uncertain pregnancy status
* Can be used annually for ongoing protection

Strategic farmers integrate the correct RVF vaccine into their Livestock Health and Production (LHeaP) programme or annual calendar to prevent crises, losses and disruptions to production.

In summary: Strategy Saves Investment

A well-prepared farmer or community combines:
* Strong immunity (TaliMune PLUS)
* Correct vaccination timing (OBP RVF vaccines)
* Vector control where possible
* Careful handling of birthing materials during outbreaks
* Early reporting of suspicious symptoms to your State Vet or Animal Health Technician
This integrated approach strengthens resilience and protects profitability.

Speak to Talitha or Your Local Retailer

Talitha’s Customer Experience Consultants (CECs) work closely with farmers and retailers to guide:
* Which RVF vaccine to use
* When to vaccinate
* How TaliMune PLUS fits into a broader immunity-building plan
* How to prepare the flock/ herd before disease pressure rises
* How to respond quickly during suspected outbreaks

Farmers are encouraged to contact their nearest retailer or any Talitha CEC for guidance in planning their Rift Valley Fever prevention strategy. Feel free to follow this link to join our WhatsApp Group to get professional advice from our vets.
https://chat.whatsapp.com/HTON2r2z0KbGWXIohOqe1z?mode=wwt



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