Livestock is one of the mainstays of the Somali economy, and recently a strange phenomenon has emerged: the tree that kills livestock in Somalia. Somali herders have expressed grave concern about a disease affecting their animals, causing their rapid demise.
The Tree That Kills Livestock in Somalia
Some herders believe the disease is caused by consuming a tree called “Zajin,” which grows widely across large areas of Somalia.
Sharif Khalani, from the Dhardar area of Bandiradle district, Mudug region, reported that camels and goats are dying from this unknown disease, which occurs when they graze on the Zajin tree.
“The Zajin tree will kill the livestock that graze on camels and goats. If the necessary measures are not taken, they will die,” Khalani said.
He added, “An animal that grazes on the Zajin tree will have its mouth closed for another five months.” Because of the danger posed by the tree that kills livestock in Somalia, some herders have begun to avoid the areas where the hajinka tree grows, to protect their animals.
Sharif Khalani said, “For twenty years, the tree that kills livestock in Somalia. Last winter, about 30 head of camels died, and this happens every winter. The disease spread over a wide area, and large numbers of livestock perished. When the camels disappeared, all the remaining livestock fled.”
What do veterinarians say about this disease?
Dr. Abdi Majid Dirshi Dwe, a veterinarian, confirmed the existence of this disease. He said that it affects livestock when they graze on the hajinka tree for extended periods, especially during droughts when other vegetation is scarce. Dr. Abdi Majid Dirshe Dwe said, “The tree that kills livestock in Somalia. The disease it causes is called colic, and this is usually the reason why livestock eat during droughts or when they are hungry. When an animal eats, it loves the food and eats a lot and increases its consumption. If the animal is not given enough water, it will die.”
Dr. Dwe urged herders to be cautious and provide their animals with plenty of water if they suspect they have grazed on the Zagienka tree, or the tree that kills livestock in Somalia.
Dr. Abdi Majid Dirshe Dwe said, “There are ways to deal with or treat it. Animals cannot be protected from the tree, so I suggest that herders give their animals plenty of water when they suspect they have grazed in an area where this tree grows, or give them medication to help with bowel movements.”
Dr. Abdi Majid Dirshe Dwe added that some people feed their animals oil and fat, and he advised them to stop giving them unsuitable substances. Herders have called for a scientific investigation into why their livestock die at certain times after consuming the hajinka tree.
Hajinka Tree and Drought in Somalia
The hajinka tree is a plant native to Somalia, and livestock graze heavily on it during the dry season and winter months, when other plants have lost their leaves, as it provides a source of moisture.
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This problem arises at a time when many areas of Somalia are suffering from drought, and its effects could lead to a decline in livestock health.
