Experts probe mysterious camel deaths in northern Kenya

Friday February 19, 2016

A vet administers drugs to camels in Shuur, Marsabit County following an outbreak of a mysterious disease that killed hundreds of camels in the region. PHOTO | KEN BETT | NATION MEDIA GROUP

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Veterinary experts have started investigating a mysterious disease that has led to the death of hundreds of camels in Mandera, Wajir and Marsabit counties.

The experts are drawn from the University of Nairobi and the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (Kalro).

In Mandera, the unknown disease has claimed at least 150 camels in a span of one and a half months.

Mandera County Director of Livestock Production Hussein Madey said the team, led by Prof Gitau Chege from University of Nairobi, has successfully collected 40 blood samples.

“We have collected 40 blood samples from pregnant, lactating, young and aged camels, which are being tested at the University of Nairobi and the Kabete research centre,” said Mr Madey.

He said the results shall be known in a week’s time.

“We are vaccinating against contagious Bovine Pneumonia (CBPP) as we await the outcome of the test,” he said.

The mysterious disease was first reported in the neighbouring Wajir County late last year but spread to Marsabit and Mandera counties.

LOST 16 CAMELS

“The disease is wiping out young camels mostly and the latest report is from Elrhamu in Mandera South where a pastoralist has lost 16 camels at a go,” said Mr Madey.

The most affected areas in Mandera are Falana, Garsesala, Kotulo and Kutayu all neighboring Wajir County.

Mr Madey said an affected camel develops a staggering gait, urine retention, swelling of lymph nodes and stiffness of muscles leading to certain death.

A 2014 livestock census by Mandera County Government indicated there are a million camels in the county.

“The deaths are an economic loss to the pastoralists as a healthy camel sells at between Sh100, 000 and Sh120, 000,” said Mr Madey.

He said a quarantine will be declared to curb further spread and ease administering of treatment.

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