Benghazi – The National Center for Animal Health of the Libyan government is monitoring the deaths of more than 150 sheep in the Metlaoui area of Gafsa province in southern Tunisia. The center is coordinating with Tunisian authorities to determine the cause of the deaths and assess related veterinary and public health risks.
Dr. Mohamed Al-Uqab, head of the National Center for Animal Health, told Al-Anba’ Al-Libiya that the center is following developments and is in contact with officials in Tunisia. He said preliminary information suggests the sheep deaths may be linked to water contamination with phosphates, as there are factories in the grazing areas where sheep flocks are common.
Dr. Al-Uqab added that the center is awaiting a final report from the World Organisation for Animal Health regarding the investigation’s findings. The results will determine the precautionary measures the center may need to adopt if necessary.
He stressed that the current public health situation does not require concern or additional measures at this time. The center will continue to monitor the situation and coordinate with relevant authorities until the investigation results are released.
Tunisian veterinary services have already begun their investigation. They have collected samples from both the dead sheep and from herds in surrounding areas. These samples have been sent to specialized labs to verify the cause and identify the source of the outbreak.