The Meru County government has recently announced an outbreak of anthrax among humans.
Due to this, the county government has ordered the arrest and prosecution of any farmer who fails to vaccinate their animals.
“This is to notify you of the outbreak of the above notifiable disease (anthrax) within Meru County,” said Samuel Njuguna, Deputy County Commissioner.
Meru county declares Anthrax Outbreak. Photo: Courtesy.
Njuguna moreover issued orders prohibiting home slaughter.
He ordered the arrest and prosecution of farmers who slaughter animals at home for human consumption.
Njuguna further directed that all administrative officers, including chiefs, begin sensitisation on Anthrax, its transmission, effects, and control measures.
The outbreak comes as the government continues with a nationwide livestock vaccination campaign to combat diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease and Peste des Petits Ruminants.
Anthrax has been a challenge in various counties, including Narok and Nakuru.
Anthrax in humans occurs in four forms: cutaneous, inhalation, gastrointestinal, and injection. Cutaneous anthrax, the most common type, enters through cuts or abrasions in the skin, causing an itchy bump that develops into a painless ulcer with a black centre.
