Browsing Tag

disease

Drought and disease decimate pastoralists’ herds in remote Sanag villages

‘People and livestock are equal in hunger’: Drought leaves pastoralists in Somalia’s Sanag region without water, medicine or markets In northern Somalia’s Sanag region, a yearslong drought has hollowed out pastoral life. Livestock are dying, markets have stalled, and families who once lived self-sufficiently off goats and camels are rationing water by the cup and living on credit they can no longer repay. For Mohamed Ali Salad, a pastoralist in Gurmale village, the collapse is measured in animals lost. His herd of 200 goats…

South Africa Vaccinates Cattle to Combat Foot-and-Mouth Disease Losses

South Africa has declared the current foot-and-mouth disease outbreak a national disaster and will vaccinate 14 million cattle, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced, as the country confronts one of the worst outbreaks on record. "We have classified foot-and-mouth disease as a national disaster and will be mobilising all necessary capabilities within the state to deal with this crisis," Ramaphosa said, confirming the extensive vaccination campaign that authorities plan to roll out. The president's declaration elevates the…

China halts Irish beef imports over bluetongue disease concerns

China suspended imports of Irish beef after authorities confirmed an outbreak of the bluetongue virus in County Wexford, a setback for exporters barely two weeks after the Chinese market reopened to Irish meat. The Department of Agriculture said it notified Beijing of the confirmed cases, and that Chinese authorities “subsequently informed us that they have suspended the acceptance of Irish beef exported from Ireland with effect from 27 January 2026.” Minister Heydon described the move as a temporary measure. “As with all…

Botswana Issues Alert Over Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak in South Africa

GABORONE — Botswana has urged farmers and other stakeholders along its border with South Africa to be on high alert after an outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) was reported in Limpopo Province, the Ministry of Agriculture said in a statement. The ministry called on livestock owners and the public to report any signs of the viral disease — including drooling and ulcers in the mouth, on the muzzle or on the hooves — to the nearest veterinary office or to the Botswana Police Service. “Reports of suspect animals should…

EU allocates €250,000 for hunger, health, and disaster relief in Kenya

The European Union has announced €250,000 (about Sh40 million) in humanitarian aid to help Kenyan communities facing a worsening convergence of drought, floods, food insecurity and disease outbreaks. The funding will be routed through the Disaster Response Emergency Fund of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to support operations by the Kenya Red Cross Society. In a statement issued Tuesday, the EU said the allocation responds to Kenya’s “rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation,…

Africa Issues Warning: Mpox Epidemic Remains Uncontrolled

"Life's a wild ride, ain't it?" mused grandpa Joe as he rocked gently on his porch chair, soaking in the mellow hues of the setting sun. "You never really know where it's headed; it's a winding road full of surprises and detours." Such whimsical reflections often emerged during these tranquil evening moments, a time cherished in the family for generations. Nestled amidst rolling hills, the family homestead had been standing since time immemorial. Its creaky wooden floors and sun-dappled windows spoke of stories etched in…

Anticov, a new African trial to treat the disease is set up

Although the search for a vaccine against Covid-19 seems to be progressing, there is still no effective treatment for the disease. Dozens of clinical trials around the world have failed to find cures for severe forms. However, a new test will try to contribute to the building, and he is African: Anticov, that is his name, will eventually affect 3,000 patients in thirteen countries.…