Anthrax Outbreak Reported In Megun, Kesses Sub County

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Livestock farmers in Megun Kesses Sub County are counting losses following an outbreak of the deadly anthrax disease.

Several dairy animals have already been reported dead in the area.

Bishop Wilson Kurui, one of the affected farmers says the cows had signs of blood in all their openings.

Bishop Kurui.

“My cow died and when we took to the veterinary for sample testing, results came confirming that it was because of anthrax. I also lost the second cow, and my neighbor has had three of the cows killed. The other one lost a calf,” Bishop Kurui said.

The farmers now want the County Government of Uasin Gishu to act with speed and help contain the outbreak.

Among some of the things they want to be done is the roll-out of vaccination in the area, and suspension of the livestock auction.

A cow with anthrax.

Megun ward is among the areas known for the high production of milk in the county and the anthrax outbreak comes as a major blow to the farmers who depend on it to earn a living.

Confirming the outbreak, Uasin Gishu County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture Samuel Yego said vaccination had already started in affected homes.

“There are cases of anthrax in Kesses and some tests from some dead animals have confirmed this. We started vaccination in the affected homes and the entire Megun location,” Yego said.

He also noted that the county has sufficient vaccines.

Uasin Gishu CECM for Agriculture Samuel Yego

The Agriculture CECM is now advising farmers to contact Agricultural officers whenever their livestock exhibit any signs related to anthrax.

“Any farmer who experiences similar symptoms on their livestock should get in touch with us for appropriate actions to be taken,” Yego advised.

Locals are also being advised against eating the meat of animals that die from anthrax, or an unknown disease.

Anthrax is a rare but serious bacterial illness.

It is caused by a spore-forming bacterium and mainly affects animals.

Humans can become infected through contact with an infected animal or by inhaling spores.

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