Farm-Level Risk Factors of Increased Abortion and Mortality in Domestic Ruminants during the 2010 Rift Valley Fever Outbreak in Central South Africa

Factors Associated with the Number of Deaths and Abortions on the Farm The severity of an RVF outbreak as measured by the number of animals that had abortions, that died, or that had no clinical signs of RVF was estimated by the multinomial portion of the model. [...] We evaluated the full and partial effects of the model and compared the model predictions of the number of deaths and abortions to the data reported by the farmers (Figures S5 and S6, respectively). [...] We hypothesized that the severity of the clinical signs reported on the farm during 2010 would depend on two of the processes: (1) the amplification of the virus supported by large populations of vectors and (2) the susceptibility of the host population present. [...] We hypothesized that the severity of the clinical signs reported on the farm during 2010 would depend on two of the processes: (1) the amplification of the virus supported by large p eHhop=ulations of vectors and (2) the susceptibility of the ho(1st) population present. [...] The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript, or in the decision to publish the results.