TAUNG, NW - Amantsi Farming, a prominent agricultural business owned by Olerile Ole, finds itself in a desperate situation as an enigmatic illness claims the lives of 16 calves within a brief span of six to seven weeks. Seeking immediate answers, Olerile Ole, also known as the self-proclaimed "Cattlemen" and Agriprenuer, turned to social media, pouring out his anguish and appealing for assistance to save his remaining livestock.
Ole, who is recognized by his Twitter handle @OleLekgetho, took to the online community to express his profound distress, stating, "I have now lost 16 calves in 6/7 weeks. All showing the same symptoms. No one is giving me answers. Our local vets are not helping me at all." He detailed the calves' distressing condition, describing a red foam emanating from their noses shortly before their untimely demise, leaving him feeling utterly helpless.
In response to his heartfelt plea, concerned individuals and veterinary professionals lent their voices, providing suggestions and guidance. Dr. Justice M. of Asante Veterinary Consultants raised the possibility of Anthrax, stating, "This is very suspicious for Anthrax." However, without proper testing and thorough examination, it is impossible to definitively confirm this hypothesis.
Various recommendations emerged, with one suggestion being to reach out to Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Clinic in Pretoria, despite the geographical distance involved, as advised by @SechabaLerumo. However, @T_kundy cautioned about potential delays in obtaining test results from Onderstepoort, prompting Ole to exert pressure on the state vet to expedite the process.
I have now Lost 16 calves in 6/7 weeks. All showing the same Symptoms. No one is giving me answers. Our local Vets are not helping me at all. All they do is take samples and no answers. All calves just bleed a red foam from the nose and within minutes they die. I need help pls… pic.twitter.com/7dJf6wLr0i
— Olerile Ole (@OleLekgetho) June 5, 2023
Opinions about state veterinarians diverged, with @Mosky_Mothapo expressing disappointment, stating, "State vets are useless." In contrast, @TumeloVito leaned towards an Anthrax diagnosis, urging Ole to take immediate action.
Responding to inquiries, Ole clarified that the bleeding occurred solely from the nose, ruling out other visible signs of illness.
It is crucial to note that an accurate diagnosis can only be made by a qualified veterinarian following a comprehensive examination and appropriate tests. While social media can provide helpful suggestions and opinions, Ole should persist in seeking veterinary assistance from professionals who can physically assess the calves.
The mysterious illness afflicting Amantsi Farming's calves remains a pressing concern, demanding swift intervention to prevent further losses and alleviate the anguish experienced by the farmer. Local authorities are implored to extend their support and allocate resources to aid in diagnosing and containing the outbreak, thereby safeguarding the well-being of the livestock and the livelihood of Amantsi Farming.
Amantsi Farming's plea for help serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges encountered by farmers, underscoring the critical importance of accessible and responsive veterinary services in rural areas. As the farming community rallies around Amantsi Farming, hopes persist for a breakthrough in identifying and addressing the underlying cause of this devastating illness. Image source: @OleLekgetho twitter
