This archive report was first published on 14 December 2019.
As I reflect on my recent trip to Elgeyo Marakwet County, I am reminded of the importance of being aware of the plants that surround us. During my visit, I was asked about the safety of a certain plant with deep green leaves and white flowers, which was later identified as datura.
My attention was drawn to this plant when a farmer in Murang'a reached out to me, concerned about the sudden deaths of four valuable dairy cows. The animals had died at different times, but the cause of death had not been determined.
After consulting with Dr. Kamau, a veterinarian who visited the farm, we concluded that the cattle had died of datura poisoning. The plant, which is common in dry temperate, tropical, and subtropical regions, contains potent alkaloid toxins that can be fatal to livestock.
Datura thrives in fertile soils and can be spread through livestock manure. It is essential for farmers to identify and remove this plant from their farms to prevent poisoning. The seeds and flowers of the plant have the highest toxin concentration, and most poisoning occurs due to inadvertent inclusion of the plant or its seeds in harvested forage and grains.
It is crucial for farmers to work with their animal health service providers to identify poisonous plants on their farms and take necessary precautions to prevent poisoning. I recall a case in Kiambu where a worker maliciously mixed datura with napier grass, killing 15 cows on one weekend.
It is difficult to treat datura poisoning because animals tend to die suddenly. The poison acts by slowing the nerves that control stomach and intestinal movement, causing bloat, and disrupts the heart rhythm and paralyses nerves that control respiration.
