Coast

Taita Taveta County dispels fears over possible animal disease outbreak

Taita Taveta Chief Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Livestock, and Irrigation, Erickson Kyongo. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

By Farhiya Hussein | Monday, June 3, 2024

The clarification was prompted by a letter from the County Commissioner's office indicating a possible outbreak.

The Taita Taveta County Government has dispelled fears of an outbreak of mad cow disease (Kichaa cha Ng'ombe) in Njukini and Challa, Taveta Sub County.

The clarification was prompted by a letter from the County Commissioner's office indicating a possible outbreak.

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The Chief Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Livestock, and Irrigation, Erickson Kyongo expressed regret over the confusion caused by the commissioner's letter.

"I regret the confusion caused to the public and livestock traders operating within the borders of Taita Taveta county," Kyongo stated.

He said the county's Department of Agriculture, Livestock, and Irrigation had swiftly dispatched a team of experts to investigate the reported outbreak.

According to the county official, the findings of the investigation revealed there were no unusual cases of animal deaths reported in Njukini and Challa.

"Also County health facilities have not reported any illnesses or fatalities linked to the consumption of contaminated meat," he said.

“All meat sold in local butcheries has undergone inspection and certification by authorised officers, ensuring it is fit for human consumption.”

Kyongo said that the county veterinary team has intensified disease surveillance measures to promptly detect and control any potential livestock diseases.