Latmingué: Half a herd decimated after ingesting toxic leaves

In Daga Youdou, in the commune of Latmingué, located in the Kaolack region, a transhumant herder was struck by tragedy. Half of his flock was decimated after the animals ingested the leaves of a poisonous tree. The incident occurred while the owner was away, when the young herders responsible for tending the animals, through ignorance, fed them the leaves of a plant known locally as "Pélé." When the herder was informed of his animals' alarming condition, he rushed to the scene and immediately grasped the gravity of the situation due to his knowledge of the plant's toxicity.

Despite the rapid intervention of a veterinarian to contain the effects of the poisoning, 40 animals did not survive.

To date, the situation continues to deteriorate, with the daily loss of more animals, plunging the owner into deep distress. This tragic episode highlights a recurring problem in the area: the lack of information among young herders regarding toxic plants found along transhumance routes. In response, a source reveals that "local authorities have launched an awareness campaign to inform livestock farmers and herders about the risks associated with grazing."

In Senegal, several plant species pose a serious danger due to their toxicity to humans and animals. Among the most notable examples are the Sodom apple (Calotropis procera), a shrub common in arid and sandy areas, all parts of which—and especially its white latex—are highly toxic. The horse nut (Jatropha curcas), often used for hedges in villages, is also dangerous.

Other plants such as Detarium, Ditakh (especially in its wild form), and Jequirity (Abrus precatorius) also pose serious risks. Jequirity, for example, is a climbing plant whose red seeds marked with black can be fatal if ingested. These toxic plants—through their leaves, fruits, seeds, bark, or sap—represent a constant danger in grazing areas, for both animals and humans.