The County Government of Murang’a has imposed quarantine of livestock in Kahumbu Ward, after scores of residents got ill, after consuming meat from an anthrax infected cow.
On Monday, the County government declared that there will be no selling of milk and meat in the area for the next 14 days.
The County Veterinary Officer, William Kingori, noted that the quarantine will assist to control spread of the disease, saying officers from his office will embark on vaccination of livestock against the disease.
On Saturday, more than 180 local residents, got ill after they consumed meat of a cow that was infected by anthrax.
The owner of the cow, Margret Ngugi, opted to slaughter the cow after it died mysteriously and sold meat to the residents at Sh400 per kilo, resulting in those who consumed the beef getting ill.
Though she alleged her animal died as a result of suffocation, she claimed that the meat sold to the residents, was certified by a private veterinarian.
King’ori said after investigation it emerged the person said to have inspected and okayed the meat, to be sold to residents was a quack.
He decried the increased number of people purporting to be veterinary officers, saying the quacks are putting the lives of residents at risk.
“During the quarantine period, all local butcheries will remain closed, no selling of meat unless one gets from other areas. Farmers are advised to pour milk and we will continue monitoring the areas, to ensure there is no spread of diseases,” he directed.
Governor Kang’ata who visited the area, Monday, said the County government, will take care of medical expenses of those who were affected.
Kang’ata noted that a mobile clinic has been dispatched to the Ward for the next 14 days, to assist in testing and treating residents, who consumed or came in contact with the meat.
The Governor directed the person who is said to have inspected the meat, to be apprehended and face the law.
“It’s illegal for anyone to discharge veterinary services without the required qualifications. I confirm the person who inspected the meat was not an employee of the County government and he should be apprehended to face the law,” declared the Governor.
“For the families affected, the County government will prepare a list and see how they will be assisted. Some of the residents have developed wounds and the matter needs urgent attention,” explained Kang’ata.
The Governor warned the residents to be wary of uninspected meat, saying it was dangerous for human consumption.
