Anthrax outbreak in Vihiga kills over ten cows

Health officials in Vihiga have issued urgent cautions following reports of anthrax infections in both animals and people over the past week.

The outbreak, which began in Mbihi and Chambiti sub-locations in Vihiga Sub-County, has so far killed more than ten cows, prompting immediate public health alerts.

County veterinary officials say the animal deaths occurred on different occasions beginning on August 1. Alarming reports indicate that some residents have been butchering and eating meat from the infected animals.

According to Vihiga County Director of Veterinary Services, Darlington Kadenge, the animals died as a result of anthrax infections.

“This is a serious public health threat. We are advising all residents to avoid slaughtering or eating animals that have not been examined and certified safe by veterinary officers,” warned Kadenge.

In response, the county has launched a mass anthrax vaccination exercise targeting 1,500 cows and over 200 goats in the affected areas. 

Kadenge noted that many of the animals affected in the current outbreak may belong to farmers who did not participate in an earlier vaccination campaign, which saw only 35,000 animals inoculated — far short of the projected 200,000.

 “Some farmers ignored the vaccination call and may now be facing the consequences. We are relaunching the vaccination process in the affected areas immediately,” he said.

Anthrax, caused by Bacillus anthracis, can spread to humans through direct contact with infected animals or their products, consumption of contaminated meat, or — in rare cases — inhalation of spores.

Symptoms of cutaneous anthrax in humans include painless skin sores with a black center, swelling, fever, headache, and general body weakness.

Over the last one week, three people were admitted to Vihiga County Referral Hospital in Mbale with severe symptoms after reportedly consuming meat from dead cows in Mbayi village (Vihiga Sub-County) and Isizi village (Sabatia Sub-County). 

Health officials have confirmed several cases of cutaneous anthrax among individuals who handled or ate the carcasses.

The county health department has confirmed three human cases across the two neighboring sub-counties of Sabatia and Vihiga was among more than 200 people suspected to have consumed the meat but have since received preventive medication. 

Authorities have ordered that all dead livestock in the affected areas be buried or burned under official supervision. 

Residents are being urged to report any sudden animal deaths and to seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms after handling animals or animal products.

Officials stress that anthrax is both preventable and treatable if detected early, and warn that meat should only be sourced from inspected and approved outlets.

 “Let us work together to protect our community and prevent more deaths — both of animals and people,” Kadenge said.

Vihiga County Public Health Director, Martin Osotsi, confirmed that all sites where carcasses were found or dumped have been disinfected. 

He added that the county government has launched a community outreach and sensitization campaign to educate residents on the dangers of consuming uninspected meat.

“We urge our people to remain vigilant and avoid eating meat that has not been approved and stamped by medical professionals, as it could be lethal,” warned Osotsi.