Disease in Kenya kills flamingoes
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.(First Edition)
NAIROBI (AFP) - About 5,000 pink flamingoes have died of disease in western Kenya in the past two weeks, but veterinarians say the survival of one of Kenya's main tourist attractions is not endangered.
'It's nature's way of reducing overpopulation, Dr Richard Koch said yesterday. Kenya has an estimated 1 million flamingoes, living around lakes Nakuru and Bogoria in the western Rift Valley province. Western tourists on safari in Kenya flock to see the flamingoes around the two lakes.
Dr Koch said about 300 to 400 of the graceful birds, which are found in tropical and sub-tropical regions, were dying each day around the lakes from a bacterial infection. About 10,000 flamingoes have been infected with the Pseudomonas aeriginosa bacteria, present in the water in the two lakes, he said.
Climatic factors may have caused high concentrations of the bacteria. Wildlife officials are burning the birds' carcasses in an attempt to stem the spread of the infection. Dr Koch predicted that the epidemic would die down in about a month.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments