Diethylstilboestrol—historical background and current regulatory status

Diethylstilboestrol is a non-steroidal orally active oestrogen that in the past has been widely used in a variety of conditions in both medical and veterinary fields. In recognition of potential systemic availability to man of DES in the tissues of treated food-producing animals, together with an understanding of the potential teratogenic and carcinogenic toxicity of DES in man, the veterinary use of DES has been restricted to oral use in small animals only. Use of DES is prohibited in all food-producing animals.     

Incidence and knowledge of bovine brucellosis in Kahuro district,Murang’a County,Kenya

Brucellosis in cattle is a zoonosis mainly caused by Brucella abortus. In Kenya, the disease is widespread, but its prevalence is largely unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate incidence rates of brucellosis and farmers’ knowledge on the disease in Kahuro district, Murang’a County. In this study, 150 pooled milk samples were collected from 75 milk collection centers and tested. Subsequently, 230 milk samples were collected from farmers in 16 collection centers in Wangu and Mugoiri divisions whose pooled samples gave positive results. Five cow owners in each of the 16 collection centers were interviewed using a questionnaire to assess their knowledge levels. Wangu division had the highest incidence rate 19% with positive samples observed from 14 collection centers. Mugoiri division recorded 3% with two collection centers having positive samples, while Murarandia had none. All respondents with no formal education were unaware of the causative agent of brucellosis. There was a significant difference in incidence between Mugoiri and Wangu divisions (p < 0.05). Knowledge levels were high in the young and educated farmers compared to the old and uneducated. Frequent screening for brucellosis to identify infected animals should be initiated thus prevent transmission to other animals and humans.