The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Numerous individuals from five villages in Kahumbu ward, Kigumo Constituency, Murang’a, have been hospitalized, while others have been treated and discharged, following the consumption of meat from a cow suspected of succumbing to anthrax.
The owner of the cow from Kanguku Village, Christopher Ngugi, narrated the incident from last week, where he returned home to find one of his cows exhibiting signs of an unidentified illness in the cowshed. He promptly informed the local animal health officer, who treated the cow and provided guidance on managing the condition.
According to Ngugi, the officer declared the cow healthy. Subsequently, with assistance from villagers, the officer inspected the cow’s abdomen, revealing the ingestion of clothing and polythene papers. This blockage, claimed Ngugi, obstructed the animal’s airways, leading to its demise.
Following this revelation, local farmers flocked to Ngugi’s residence to purchase the meat at Ksh. 400 per kilogram, a reduced rate from the usual Ksh. 600 charged at local butcheries.
Ngugi’s wife, Margaret Nyambura, disclosed that another cow from their farm died mysteriously last week, confirmed by animal health officers to have succumbed to anthrax. Simultaneously, individuals who slaughtered the animal exhibited symptoms of wounds and blisters, as did those who consumed the meat at home and in local eateries.
Residents who contracted the disease sought treatment at various health facilities, including Muranga Level Five Hospital, Sabasaba Health Centre, and Mugumoini Dispensary. Currently, one patient is undergoing treatment at Maragua Level Four Hospital.
Approximately 150 people purchased the meat for distribution, with an additional 600 suspected of consuming it, including young children among the affected. Residents are now calling on the Murang’a County government to dispatch medical personnel to the affected villages, as many cannot afford transportation to hospitals.
Moreover, they urge veterinary department animal health officers to visit and vaccinate their animals to prevent further outbreaks. Several dogs in the affected villages died after consuming the sick cow’s meat and bones. Farmers are advised against consuming or selling milk from their animals.
Ngugi estimated the loss of his two cows at Ksh. 200,000.
