DRC - An epidemic of peste des petits ruminants decimates goats in Oicha

[Pathfinder]

Translation Google

An epidemic of small ruminant plague decimates goats in Oicha

Published on Wed, 06/25/2025 - 1:53 PM | Modified on Wed, 06/25/2025 - 1:53 PM

The rural commune of Oicha, located about 30 kilometers from the city of Beni, is facing an epidemic of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) that has been decimating goat herds since April. According to local veterinary authorities, more than 180 goats have already succumbed to this highly contagious disease.

The head of the Oicha veterinary unit, Patrick Mubarikiwa, has warned of the seriousness of the situation and urged the population to be extremely vigilant. He cautioned against consuming meat from animals that died of the plague, highlighting the significant, even fatal, health risks.

"It is scientifically proven that if an animal has not survived an epidemic, humans are even less likely to do so if they consume its meat. In cases like anthrax, for example, contamination is fatal within hours," he warned.

Despite awareness campaigns, cases of consumption of meat from animals that died naturally are still being reported. Veterinary services have announced the implementation of health measures to limit the spread of the disease.

Peste des petits ruminants is a serious viral disease that primarily affects goats and sheep, with high mortality rates. Local authorities are calling for community cooperation to stem the outbreak.

https://www.radiookapi.net/2025/06/...des-petits-ruminants-decime-les-chevres-oicha
------------------------
See also:
DRC- Ituri - Unidentified epidemic affecting goats in Djugu: population warned against eating infected animals
https://flutrackers.com/forum/forum...ation-warned-against-eating-infected-animals​

 

[Pathfinder]

North Kivu: Authorities warn that around a hundred sheep and goats have died from an as yet unidentified epidemic

Monday, August 18, 2025 - 08:19

Over the past three months, livestock farmers in the territories of Beni, Lubero, and the town of Butembo, in North Kivu, have been hit by a suspected outbreak of peste des petits ruminants, resulting in the death of more than 100 goats and sheep. This viral disease, feared for its high mortality rate, could have disastrous consequences for the livestock sector in the territories of Lubero and Beni, already weakened by various security challenges.

According to Louange Kakule Ngitsi, an officer at the provincial fisheries and livestock division, the affected animals are showing several worrying symptoms: high fever, mouth ulcers, severe diarrhea, and pneumonia. These clinical signs highlight the seriousness of the situation, and fears of the disease spreading rapidly are growing.

While awaiting the results of laboratory analyses, Mr. Kakule urges the public to exercise caution, particularly by avoiding eating meat from animals found dead without first consulting a veterinarian. This precaution is essential to prevent both health and economic risks.

"We have recently received several alerts, particularly in the Far North, regarding unusual mortality in certain animal species, notably sheep and goats. These animals are showing clinical signs such as high fever, mouth ulcers, severe diarrhea, and, in many cases, pneumonia, which can lead to death.

We have taken samples for analysis. While awaiting the results, we suspect it could be peste des petits ruminants, a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects sheep and goats. This disease causes significant economic losses for livestock farmers due to its very high mortality rate.

“Simple but essential actions can help us limit the spread of these animal diseases and protect our livestock,” Dr. Louange Kakule Ngitsi explains to ACTUALITÉ.CD.

Faced with this worrying situation, veterinary authorities are urging farmers to exercise increased vigilance. Recommended measures include careful monitoring of animals for any unusual signs such as fever, loss of appetite, diarrhea, or sudden death. In case of suspicion, it is crucial to immediately inform the local veterinarian. Furthermore, it is imperative not to consume the meat of dead animals suspected of having this disease.

In response to the severity of this epidemic, the provincial fisheries and livestock division is planning awareness and prevention campaigns in affected areas, in collaboration with local veterinary services. These initiatives aim to inform livestock farmers about best prevention practices and strengthen their capacity to manage this health crisis.

Peste des petits ruminants, caused by a virus related to human measles and rinderpest, often presents with symptoms such as fever, difficulty breathing, runny nose, diarrhea, and mouth sores. Transmission occurs primarily through airborne droplets when infected animals cough or sneeze, making the disease particularly rapid in livestock farms.

This epidemic is not the first to hit North Kivu; in 2021, the peste des petits ruminants decimated nearly 80% of the livestock in the Lubero territory.

Joshua Mutanava, in Goma

https://actualite.cd/2025/08/18/nor...ins-morts-dune-epidemie-non-encore-identifiee