Arati Acts After Anthrax Outbreak Kills 10 Cows, Several People Hospitalized

The Kisii County Government under governor Simba Arati has embarked on a free and compulsory anthrax and rabies vaccination campaign in the Bobasi sub-county following an outbreak of the deadly anthrax disease in the area.

At least 10 cows have died, and several people have been hospitalized in the sleepy Sugubo village along the Kisii-Transmara border since the first case was reported two weeks ago.

Those hospitalized had consumed a carcass of a cow that had succumbed due to the disease.

Speaking during the launch, the County Executive Committee member (CEC) in charge of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development Dr Magret Obaga confirmed that the vaccination exercise, which targets cows, goats, sheep, dogs, and cats, will take eight days.

Veterinary officers attending to a cow on January 10, 2023. /VIRALTEAKE.ELIZABETH ANGIRA

On the first day, veterinary officers confirmed that a good percentage of the animals were vaccinated in the outlined areas and called on farmers to take their animals to primary schools or market centres near them for the jab.

A county veterinary officer, Dr Josiah Orori, said that the disease is fatal with no clinical signs, adding that once it dies, the animal oozes blood from all openings.

“Anthrax is a zoonotic disease caused by the spore-producing bacterium Bacillus Anthracis, a contagious disease that spreads quickly. I urge you to avoid opening the carcass once it dies, and it should be disposed of six feet under,” said Dr Orori.

He added that human beings can get anthrax if they have contact with the carcass or eat meat from animals that were sick when slaughtered.

Dr Obaga said the county surveillance team was on high alert and appealed to residents to immediately report any suspected case to authorities.

She said the contagious disease may have found its way into the county following regular cross-border interaction of animals from Transmara West.

“My office is in contact with the Transmara West Sub County administration. We will find out an amicable way of containing the disease,” said the CEC.

A veterinary officer, Dr James Ogachi noted that a team of his colleagues will transverse the entire Bobasi region in the next eight days for the mandatory exercise and warned farmers whose animals and pets will not be vaccinated that they risk prosecution.

“This is not a voluntary but a mandatory vaccination campaign because of the dangers associated with the disease," Dr Ogachi warned.

Residents thanked Governor Paul Simba Arati's administration for taking swift measures to contain the disease.

Cows crossing a road in Kisii County. /THE STAR