Samples sent to Chief Chemist over dead cows

Dodoma. Samples of feeds and the bowels of 11 carcasses of cattle that died mysteriously at Chitego Village in Kongwa District have been sent to the government chief chemist for examination to determine the cause of death of livestock in the village.

Speaking on Sunday, the district’s livestock officer, Mr Omari Nkolo, said that the cattle had died where corn husks and black-coloured flour had been spotted. According to villagers at least 35 cattle had died died as a result of the alleged poisoning.

Mr Nkolo explained that samples, including the liver, kidney, spleen from the carcasses and feeds have been sent to the Chief Chemist for tests.

Speaking at a public meeting convened by Kongwa District Commissioner Deugratius Ndejembi, residents said the alleged poisoning is a result of the simmering dispute between farmers and herdsmen.

Chetego villager Nasnari Bonface said at the meeting that the dispute had assumed such critical proportions that they suspect their children were now being tempted with poisoned sweets.

“We are alarmed by the extreme hostilities by some farmers. We have resorted to escorting our children to school for fear that they could be harmed by fellow villagers,” Mr Bonface said.

Another villager, Mr Isaya Lekele, asked the government to investigate and ensure the culprits are brought to book.

Responding, Mr Ndejembi said the government would investigate and legal action would be taken. He said religious clerics would be included in the committee.