Anthrax ruled out in death of number of livestock

Agricultural Authorities rule out Anthrax in cattle death in North West

North-West Agricultural Authorities have ruled out any possibility that anthrax could have caused the death of a large number of livestock in several villages outside Mafikeng.

Scores of farmers have been left distraught by the loss of their cattle. Pontsho Mokaila, the North-West Director for Veterinary Services, says the unseasonal cold weather of the last two days could have caused the animals to die of hypothermia.

More than 300 livestock have now died in several villages of the North West. Entire herds of cattle, goats and sheep have perished in the Ventersdorp, Manawana, Matlawe and Zeerust areas.

It's believed that the animals died of hypothermia as a result of the recent cold front. Mokaila said vets are examining the carcasses to make certain of the cause of death.