By John Mugendi
Anthrax outbreak has been reported in Gichure area in Maara Sub County, Tharaka Nithi County.
Several residents are feared to have been infected with the disease after reportedly consuming a cow slaughtered by a villager during Christmas.
Ms Lydia Karimi, a resident told the media that they started developing wounds and experiencing headaches and itches after two days.
“Several people have developed wounds and even after seeking treatment at Nkangani dispensary and the wounds are still enlarging,” said Ms Karimi.
Mr John Mutembei, another victim said the meat of the cow that was slaughtered by a villager was inspected by a veterinary officer and said it was fine for human consumption.
He said there are those who ate the meat but are only complaining of headache and fever.
The county Agriculture executive, Njue Njagi said extension officers had been deployed to handle the matter.
He said he is yet to know whether the veterinary officer who inspected the meat was licensed and whether he is the county government’s employee or a private one.
He however stated that no veterinary officer is allowed to inspect meat for livestock slaughtered at home.
“Livestock should only be slaughtered at an approved and licensed slaughterhouse and sold in a licensed butchery.
He noted that a similar incident happened in the county last time and they took legal action againist the fake veterinary officer who had reportedly inspected the meat.
