Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a mosquito-borne viral disease, principally of ruminants, that is endemic to Africa. The causative Phlebovirus, Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), has a broad host range and, as such, also infects humans to cause primarily a self-limiting febrile illness. A small number of human cases will also develop severe complications, including haemorrhagic fever, encephalitis and visual impairment. In parts of Africa, it is a major disease of domestic ruminants, causing epidemics of abortion and mortality. It infects and can be transmitted by a broad range of mosquitos, with those of the genus Aedes and Culex thought to be the major vectors. Therefore, the virus has the potential to become established beyond Africa, including in Australia, where competent vector hosts are endemic. Vaccines for humans have not yet been developed to the commercial stage. This review examines the threat of this virus, with particular reference to Australia, and assesses gaps in our knowledge that may benefit from research focus.

裂谷热（RVF）是一种蚊子传播的病毒性疾病，主要是反刍动物，这是非洲特有的。致病性狂犬病病毒，裂谷热病毒（RVFV），具有广泛的宿主范围，同样也感染人类，主要引起自限性发热性疾病。少数人类病例也会发展出严重的并发症，包括出血热，脑炎和视力障碍。在非洲部分地区，它是家庭反刍动物的主要疾病，导致流产和死亡的流行。它会感染蚊子，并可以通过广泛的蚊子传播，包括伊蚊属和库蚊属被认为是主要媒介。因此，该病毒有可能在非洲以外的地方被建立，包括在合格的宿主宿主流行的澳大利亚。用于人类的疫苗尚未开发到商业阶段。这篇综述检查了这种病毒的威胁，特别是对澳大利亚的威胁，并评估了我们可能受益于研究重点的知识差距。