67 hospitalised after consuming infected meat

By KATHURE MUKURU

Meru, Kenya: Sixty-seven people are admitted in Mutuati Sub District Hospital after consuming meat from a dead cow suspected to have been infected with anthrax.

Among them were 34 children and three are said to be in critical condition.

According to Assistant County Commissioner Mathew Wambugu, shortly after the cow, which had just gotten a jab, died its owner slaughtered it.

“The cow had already been diagnosed with anthrax so when it died after the injection, the owner decided to sell the meat to neighbours around his home,” said Mr Wambugu.

He said several villagers flocked to the home as the meat was being sold at a cheap price. “It was after consuming the meat that people began complaining of stomachaches and I was alerted before mobilising Government vehicles to take them to the hospital,” he said.

The owner of the cow has since disappeared with the police searching for him. “We are also looking for all those involved in the slaughter and selling of the meat because this is carelessness and inhumane,” stressed the administrator.

He asked residents to be careful when buying meat especially from individuals because it might not be inspected.

The authorities have asked residents to come forward with any information they may have on the cow owner’s whereabouts.

Elsewhere, at least four livestock markets in West Pokot County have been closed to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease that has been reported in some areas.

County Executive for Livestock Josiah Cheruiyot said this had been done as the disease appeared to spread fast especially from Trans Nzoia County.

He said the department of livestock would quarantine the animals in Chepareria, Mnagei, Riwo and Kapenguria wards where cases of the disease had been reported.