Govt allays fears over meat safety concerns in Kilimanjaro, Arusha

Arusha. The government has said anthrax has been contained in Arusha, Kilimanjaro and Manyara regions, where three people died.

The director of Livestock Services in the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Dr Hezron Nonga, told reporters meat from Longido and Moshi butcheries was safe.

 Some 28 livestock and 169 wildlife were infected in Arusha and Kilimanjaro.

 “There have been quarantines in slaughterhouses where anthrax had been reported. Any transport of livestock that hasn’t been inspected is prohibited. So, I can guarantee that it’s safe to eat meat from all inspected slaughterhouses,’’ he said.

He said the disease has been occurring in the country since 1950 but cases of outbreak have been reported in areas where people interact with livestock, such as game reserves.

Anthrax is usually caused by bacteria Bacillus anthracis that can survive in water, soil or dust for 60 to 100 years.

According to Dr Nonga, 18 cattle, four goats, six sheep and 169 wild animals have died of anthrax between July 2018 and February this year in Kilimanjaro and Arusha.

The regions have more than 2.5 million cattle and 2.5 million goats and over 2 million sheep.

He said the government, in collaboration with stakeholders had provided 100,000 doses of vaccines.

Longido Municipality has received 35,000 doses, Moshi 40,000 doses and Rombo 25,000.