Researchers find microplastics in 100% of donkey faecal samples tested
3 days ago
- #plastic-pollution
- #animal-welfare
- #environmental-health
- New research reveals the devastating impact of plastic pollution on donkeys, livestock, and the environment in Lamu, Kenya.
- Microplastics were found in 100% of donkey and cattle fecal samples analyzed, highlighting widespread contamination.
- Plastic ingestion causes fatal colic in donkeys, with 108 cases reported in 2024 and 91 cases so far in 2025.
- Half of donkey owners struggle to provide consistent food, forcing animals to forage at waste sites where they ingest plastic.
- Microplastics pose a food security risk by potentially transferring to humans through contaminated animal products or crops.
- Researchers call for community clean-ups, better waste disposal systems, and government investment in recycling and alternatives.
- The study underscores the interconnectedness of animal, human, and environmental health, urging global action against plastic pollution.