Authorities in Malawi are probing the recent surge in dog deaths, with initial investigations suggesting possible aflatoxin contamination as the cause. Aflatoxins, toxic compounds produced by certain fungi, can contaminate food sources, including ingredients used in pet food like peanuts and corn.
The accumulation of aflatoxins in animals can result in severe health issues, including liver damage, blood clotting problems, and potentially death. Since April, the Blantyre Society for the Protection and Care of Animals, a non-profit organization focused on animal welfare, has reported a significant number of cases. So far, at least 450 dogs have died, according to Timothy Manda, a veterinary clinic manager involved in the testing.
Manda noted that the primary cause of death in these dogs was liver failure, confirmed through further testing that identified aflatoxin as the culprit. Most affected dogs had been fed Nsima—a staple thick porridge made from maize—or maize husks.
Tsankho Juma, an assistant animal health officer at Chitedze Research Station, revealed that approximately 60% of maize in 20 districts of Malawi is affected by aflatoxin contamination. He emphasized that this not only diminishes feed value but also impacts sales due to the potential contamination of both human food and animal feed.
What began as isolated cases in Blantyre quickly spread to other districts, including Mulanje, Mangochi, and Zomba, with similar reports emerging from the capital city, Lilongwe. Manda described the symptoms as acute, noting yellowish skin as a key indicator. Affected dogs exhibited weakness, loss of appetite, and occasional vomiting, ruling out acute poisoning.
Samples from the affected dogs have been sent to laboratories in South Africa and the UK for further confirmation. Julius Chulu, director of animal health and livestock development in Malawi, stated that this would be the first instance of such a widespread canine mortality event within a short timeframe if the aflatoxin link is verified.
Last month, a similar situation occurred in Zambia, where hundreds of dogs died after consuming contaminated maize, prompting health officials to confirm high aflatoxin levels in samples from milling companies.
According to the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), mycotoxins like aflatoxin are significant contaminants in cereals and groundnuts in Malawi and are major contributors to malnutrition and stunting in humans, with links to certain cancers.
Professor Limbikani Matumba, dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences and Natural Resources at Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, stressed the importance of effective farming practices to mitigate toxin risks. He noted that Malawi’s warm climate is conducive to fungal growth, exacerbating the problem.
Matumba highlighted the need for timely planting and selecting appropriate maize varieties for specific areas. Poor practices, such as harvesting moist crops and inadequate storage conditions, contribute to mold development and aflatoxin production.
By adopting better agricultural practices, farmers can not only improve crop yields but also help control aflatoxin levels, he concluded.
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