Sudden cattle deaths south of Massa. Warnings issued about a poisonous plant appearing after Hurricane Daniel.
Saleh Boumbarka is the Director of the Animal Wealth Department in Al-Bayda, Green Mountain Municipality. He reported the sudden deaths of several cattle in the area south of Massa. The department immediately launched technical and field investigations. These aim to uncover the real reasons behind the phenomenon. The situation has caused concern among breeders in the region. This information comes from special statements to the Libyan News Agency.
Poisonous plant detected in grazing areas.
Boumbarka explained the findings of field inspections. These inspections covered grazing lands used by breeders Mohammed Abdullah and Abdulrahman Mohammed. They revealed a widespread presence of a poisonous plant. Its name is “Tree Tobacco.” Locally, it is known as “Akouz Moussa.” This plant is invasive to the Green Mountain’s vegetation. It appeared densely in wadi beds after Hurricane Daniel. The plant is useless. It poses a direct threat to livestock.
5 cattle dead, investigations ongoing.
Technical reports were prepared by agricultural engineers in Al-Bayda. This was in coordination with the sector’s coordinator. The reports recommended urgent disposal of this poisonous plant. Five cattle deaths have been recorded so far. It is not yet certain if the plant is directly responsible. Other pathogenic causes are also being considered.
Sample collection and laboratory tests.
Boumbarka confirmed the Animal Health Office was notified. They will take necessary actions. Specialist teams have been dispatched to collect samples. They will conduct precise laboratory tests. This will determine the causes of death. He warned of increasing challenges facing animal wealth. Breeders suffer from rising feed prices. There is also a shortage of vaccinations and veterinary medicines.
Call for urgent intervention.
Boumbarka concluded his statement with a call for urgent intervention. He urged relevant authorities to provide necessary pesticides. These are needed to combat invasive and poisonous plants. He also called for supporting the veterinary sector. This includes providing medicines and vaccines. Such measures protect animal wealth. This wealth is a pillar of food security in the region.
Characteristics of the poisonous plant threatening animal wealth.
The plant is scientifically known as Nicotiana glauca. It is also called Tree Tobacco. It is a rapidly spreading invasive plant. It typically grows in wadi beds and open areas. It thrives in regions affected by environmental disturbances. Its danger lies in its toxic alkaloid compounds. Anabasine is the most prominent of these. This substance is linked to animal poisoning. It can cause serious health disorders and death upon ingestion. Scientific studies also link it to congenital deformities in livestock. This occurs if animals are exposed during pregnancy. Its spread in grazing areas is a direct threat to animal wealth. Urgent control is necessary. Preventing herds from accessing it is crucial.