Murang'a farmer loses two cows in suspected anthrax outbreak

A farmer in Murang'a County has lost two cows to a suspected anthrax outbreak. The incident began when one of Ngugi's animals died unexpectedly with unusual symptoms. Authorities later confirmed the disease after a second cow from the same family line also perished.

Ngugi, a small-scale farmer, first noticed something wrong when one of his cows collapsed with bulging eyes and stiff limbs. The animal died suddenly, a common sign of anthrax in livestock. Without obvious symptoms beforehand, he called a local 'vet' to inspect the carcass.

The person who examined the cow was not a licensed veterinarian. After declaring the meat safe for eating, they disappeared when officials arrived. Ngugi then sold the meat at low prices to neighbours struggling to find affordable food.

Four days later, another cow from the same lineage died. This time, a county-approved vet examined the carcass and confirmed anthrax. The disease, caused by Bacillus anthracis, spreads quickly among animals and can infect humans through contact with contaminated meat or carcasses.

Anthrax comes in three forms: cutaneous, gastrointestinal, and inhalation. Vaccination is the best way to prevent outbreaks, but only qualified vets are permitted to administer the shots. Despite Murang'a being a high-risk area, no human cases have been recorded in the last five years.

The loss of Ngugi's cows will hit his livelihood hard. Officials now warn villagers against eating meat from unexplained animal deaths. Proper veterinary checks and vaccination remain critical to stopping further spread.