The idea is to create a low-cost, simple, rapid in-field diagnostic tool for the detection of the Rift Valley Fever virus. We know what you are probably thinking: what on earth is Rift Valley Fever and why did we choose this particular virus? We’ll begin by answering the first question.
Rift Valley Fever is a viral disease commonly observed in domesticated animals (such as sheep, goats, cattle & buffalo), however it also has the ability to infect and cause illness in humans. The disease was first detected in livestock in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley (hence the name) in the early 20th century.