Outbreak kills over 200 cows in kilifi #kenya

THE Kilifi government has restricted the movement of livestock to and from Takaungu village. This is after an outbreak of an unknown disease that has killed more than 200 cows. Addressing the press at Kayanda village in Takaungu yesterday, Agriculture executive Mwalimu Menza said veterinary officers and those from livestock inspection unit are working to identify the disease. "We have stopped movement of animals in and out of Takaungu until our officers carry out thorough investigations on the disease that has killed many cows. We are concerned about the affected families as livestock is a source of livelihood for them," Menza said. The executive, who was accompanied by Kilifi South subcounty veterinary officer Godrick Mwaringa, asked residents not to eat the meat of carcasses. "Do not eat this meat as it is very dangerous. We all at this stage are not aware exactly what killed the animals. Eating the meat we will be courting another disaster," he said. Menza said samples of the meat have been taken to the government chemist in Mombasa for analysis. He said livestock officials from the livestock analysis laboratory in Mariakani will also collect samples analysis in Mariakani. Menza said they will not rest until they establish what killed the cows. He said the carcasses will be disinfected to ensure there is no outbreak. The executive denied claims that the cows might have been poisoned. "Those are just speculations. As a matter of fact, we are only waiting for the final results to determine what killed the animals," Menza said. He said initial results will be released on Monday.