A quarantine has been imposed in Nakuru West and Rangai sub-counties after an outbreak of anthrax. Two weeks ago, members of eight families in Barut Village contracted anthrax after eating meat from a sheep that died of unknown causes. Amuyunzu warned residents against consuming uninspected meat. The disease is rare but people can get sick with anthrax if they come in contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products.
Chief Officer for Livestock Enos Amuyunzu said the disease broke out two weeks ago.”Veterinary officers have been deployed to affected regions to vaccinate livestock after laboratory tests were positive for anthrax. Several animals have also died,” said Dr Amuyunzu. He said the county aimed to vaccinate more than 50,000 head of cattle against the infectious disease caused by a bacteria called Bacillus anthracis.
He said they are vaccinating cows, sheep, goats and donkeys. The official said farmers were not paying for vaccination. “We are calling on farmers to be on the lookout and report any signs of anthrax in their animals such as high temperatures, shivering or twitching, harsh dry coat, blood in dung and nostrils, reduced milk production