4 more dead buffaloes in L.Nakuru Park in suspected anthrax outbreak

Four more buffalo carcasses have been found at the Lake Nakuru National Park, raising fears of an outbreak of the deadly Anthrax disease.

Anthrax, an infectious bacterial disease, also attacks humans who come into contact with the infected animals. The disease is suspected to have killed more than 14 buffaloes since the first 10 cases were reported Sunday.

Principal Secretary (PS) for Wildlife Susan Koech, who toured the site Monday, said the carcasses had been taken to the Government Chemist for further analysis to ascertain whether the cases were as a result of anthrax.

“Today, during our site seeing mission in the park, we came across four more carcasses of buffaloes but we are not sure what caused their deaths,” said Dr Koech.

She added that they had launched day and night surveillance to ensure that the disease was vanquished.

All white and black rhinos at the park will be vaccinated to ensure that they do not contract the disease, said the PS.

“We will vaccinate 15 white rhinos and 67 black rhinos in a window of 10 days. So far, we have vaccinated 19 rhinos and 63 remaining,” she said, adding that the surrounding vegetation will be burnt and disinfected to curb the spread of the disease.

“Those on patrols are safe from the disease as they have been issued with protective gears. There should be less worries.“