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🇹🇳 Tunisia /Health & Science

Over 60 animals dead in Gafsa: What happened in Mziraa?

From La Presse · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Under investigation
  • Over 60 sheep and goats have died suddenly in the Mziraa region of Gafsa, Tunisia, with initial suspicions pointing to enterotoxemia.
  • Preliminary diagnoses suggest the animals may have consumed polluted water or experienced a sudden change in diet.
  • Laboratory analyses are pending to confirm the exact cause, and officials have stated there is no danger to other livestock or humans as the suspected disease is not contagious.

More than 60 sheep and goats have died suddenly in the Mziraa region of Gafsa, Tunisia, prompting an investigation into the cause. Initial observations of the deceased animals suggest a suspected case of enterotoxemia, commonly known by farmers as "Boumerira."

The preliminary diagnoses and autopsy revealed signs of what farmers call 'Boumerira,' the popular name for enterotoxemia, suggesting that mortality could be due to the consumption of polluted water or a sudden change in the quality of feed or diet.

— Karem TliliExplaining the initial findings regarding the animal deaths.

Karem Tlili, head of the agricultural production service at the regional agricultural development commission in Gafsa, stated that preliminary diagnoses and autopsies revealed signs consistent with the disease. He explained that the mortality could be linked to the consumption of polluted water or a sudden alteration in the animals' feed or diet.

Tlili emphasized that information circulating about the deaths being caused by phosphate is "unconfirmed." Samples are being sent to a specialized laboratory for toxic substance analysis to determine the true causes. The regional agricultural development services are coordinating with the Ministry of Agriculture to expedite these laboratory tests.

The information circulating about the death of animals due to phosphate is 'unconfirmed.'

— Karem TliliAddressing and refuting unverified claims about the cause of the deaths.

Officials have ruled out any danger to the region's broader livestock population, assuring that enterotoxemia is not contagious and does not transmit to humans. The primary concern remains the significant number of animals lost across multiple farms in the area. Enterotoxemia can cause sudden death in sheep and other ruminants, particularly following abrupt changes in diet or the introduction of concentrated, starch-rich foods. Preventive measures include gradual dietary changes and vaccinations under veterinary supervision.

Enterotoxemia is a non-contagious disease and is not transmissible to humans.

— Karem TliliReassuring the public about the nature of the suspected disease and its lack of risk to humans.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by La Presse in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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