El Geneina, October 18 (Darfur24)
Authorities in Central Darfur State have sounded the alarm over a possible environmental and economic disaster following the outbreak of serious diseases among livestock in Zalingei locality.
The Ministry of Animal Resources, Fisheries, and Pastures reported the emergence of hemorrhagic diseases affecting horses and donkeys in several areas, posing a major threat to the state’s livestock sector.
In a statement on Saturday, the General Department of Animal Health said preliminary indications point to the potential spread of hemorrhagic fever, in addition to suspected cases of a disease locally known as “Abu Qanait.”
The ministry also reported severe respiratory symptoms affecting up to 50 per cent of cattle.
Officials warned that without urgent intervention, the situation could escalate into a large-scale environmental and economic disaster.
The ministry called on local and international animal health organizations to immediately deploy veterinary teams to assess and diagnose cases, supply necessary medicines and equipment, and launch veterinary awareness campaigns in the affected areas.