Farmers in Katulani location in Yatta Sub-County are at a risk of losing their livestock after a spray meant to eradicate ticks turned out to be poisonous, killing cows instantly.
A farmer, Peter Ngei, on Wednesday morning purchased an insecticide from one of the hardware shops in Katulani market to spray his cows that he says had been attacked by ticks, only for his cows to succumb to death.
“I went to the market in the morning to buy the spray for my cows that have been attacked by ticks as they grazed in the forest. Half an hour after I sprayed them, before taking them for grazing, I came back and found all of them lying on the ground. I called a veterinary officer but it was too late as he said the spray was very toxic. I bought the medicine at 300 shillings,” said Ngei.
Confirming the incident Katulani assistant chief Peter Asanti explained that the incident was unexpected but assured the residents he had reported to the police who are on the search for the person who sold the toxic spray.
“The farmer has lost his livestock and we have reported to the police who have assured us to take the respective measures to ensure justice is done,” said Asanti.
The sub-chief further cautioned the residents not to purchase a spray they are not sure of. The incident happens few days after the Machakos residents were urged to embrace livestock keeping as a supplement for the crop farming which has failed to yield fruits due to the shortage of rainfall in the area.