Maravi

(HERALD) 14 cattle die after grazing poisoned grass

14 cattle die after grazing poisoned grass
Saturday, 03 December 2011 19:39
Sunday Mail Reporter

Fourteen cattle died in Beatrice recently after grazing on poisoned grass. The cattle, belonging to four A1 farmers from Kinfouns Farm, were grazing near a tobacco field owned by a neighbouring Chester farmer.

A veterinarian, Dr Clinton Kadzera, confirmed the incident and said seven of the dead cattle belonged to one farmer who had four more beasts that were still sick. He said tests conducted on the carcasses showed that the cattle had consumed poison.

“An A1 farmer, Mr Honour Mudzimba, reported to the Beatrice Veterinary Services that he found seven of his cattle dead last week.

“The liver and intestines of the carcasses that were sampled proved that the cattle had consumed poison,” said Dr Kadzera.
He said the report was made by only one farmer, but confirmed that at least four others, who had not made a formal report, lost their cattle to the poison.

Dr Kadzera said about 57 cattle were suspected to have consumed the poison.
The cattle are said to have grazed close to a tobacco field that had been sprayed for insects the previous day.

In an interview, Mr Mudzimba said his loss was astronomical. “I have lost a fortune; this is all I have worked for in my life. I am depressed,” he said.
“I worked hard to have these cattle and what do I get?

“There is no one to blame, it is not the tobacco farm owner’s fault, we should have made sure the cattle had safe pastures,” said Cde Mudzimba.

Labels: CATTLE DISEASE, TOBACCO

posted by MrK @ 5:48 PM