Liberian authorities say they are investigating a case of mass cattle deaths in what is feared to be a possible outbreak of an infectious disease.
The incident occurred in Kelima Bendu Town in Foyah District, Lofa County, located 296 km northwest of the Liberian capital, Monrovia.
Kelima Bendu also lies about 10 km from the border with Sierra Leone.
A report by the Liberian Daily Observer put the death toll at 36 animals.
The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) said it is taking the lead in a joint response under the country’s One Health Platform to uncover the cause of death of the animals, according to statement from the ministry on Friday. It said that the team comprises its animal health specialists and counterparts from the Ministry of Health, the National Public Health Institute, Environmental Protection Agency, and Forestry Development Authority.
“After the scientific determination of the mortality cause, the full findings will be released to the public,” the Ministry said.
It noted that so far there has been no report of dead cattle in any other part of the country, adding that they have upped their surveillance of cattle herds and slaughterhouses across the country.
