At least, 14 Muturu cattle reportedly transported to Grand Kru County under the government’s livestock initiative have died.
Meanwhile, fiver others have been confirmed in critical condition.
The report has raised concerns about the implementation, and management of the livestock program.
The Ministry of Agriculture local office in Grand Kru County, one of the cattle died when it was being transported to the county, while the 13 others, reportedly died when they arrived.
The official said, the figures are from an initial consignment of 35 cattle brought to the county.
The reported deaths mean that 14 of the 35 cattle have already died, while five others are reportedly in critical condition, leaving only 16 cattle outside the reported dead, and critical categories.
Meanwhile, inside sources have deep-rooted that the dead cattle were previously distributed to community leaders for onward delivery within their respective communities.
However, the allegation has not yet been independently confirmed, and authorities have not publicly explained whether the dead animals were disposed of, examined, or consumed.
The cattle initiative is being implemented through the Ministry of Agriculture as part of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s “Liberians Feed Yourselves” Agenda, which seeks to strengthen domestic food production, promote livestock farming, and improve food self-sufficiency. Agriculture Minister J. Alexander Nuetah, recently disclosed that the cattle were imported from the Republics of Guinea and Mali.
Nuetah also announced plans for 150 heads of cattle to be delivered to the county as part of the livestock intervention.
The high number of reported deaths from the initial consignment has already triggered questions among residents, and stakeholders about the transportation, veterinary care, feeding, accommodation, and acclimatization of the animals when they were transported to the county.
With 14 cattle reportedly dead, and five in critical condition out of 35, concerns have grown over whether adequate preparations were made before the animals were transported into the county.
Stakeholders have sought answers from the Ministry of Agriculture, including the exact cause of death, whether veterinary examinations were conducted, and what measures are being taken to save the remaining cattle.
The situation could also test the government’s preparedness to handle the larger number of cattle expected in the county.
As of press time late last night, there were no detail public explanation from the Ministry of Agriculture regarding the reported deaths, or the allegation that dead cattle were distributed to communities for feastings.
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