Unknown disease strikes donkeys in Central Darfur’s Nierteti

Inhabitants of Nierteti South camp for the displaced in Nierteti locality, Central Darfur, have complained of the spread of an unknown disease among donkeys. Of 146 animals infected, 36 have died within a week. Speaking to Radio Dabanga a camp resident reported on Sunday that the mysterious disease broke out among donkeys 15 days ago. The symptoms are severe coughing, weakness, appetite and weight loss. Veterinary authorities advised to vaccinate the donkeys, but, the camp resident said, “Most of us cannot afford the costs of a vaccination, which ranges between SDG15 ($2.60) and SDG20 ($3.50)”. The displaced appealed to the authorities and organisations working in the field of veterinary services to intervene as soon as possible to vaccinate the donkeys and contain the spread of the disease. “Donkeys are the most important means of livelihood for us.” On 12 February Radio Dabanga reported that about 75 percent of the children below the age of 12 years in the Deleig camp for the displaced in Central Darfur were infected with a mysterious disease. The disease affects children below the age of 12 years, and donkeys. Four days later 15 children and 47 donkeys had died. File photo: FAO officers conduct a medical treatment for livestock in North Darfur (Albert González Farran/Unamid) Related: ‘Mysterious disease’ in Central Darfur kills 23 children (23 February 2014)