An “alarming number” of 400 dogs are thought to have died over the past month in Zambia after eating contaminated maize and humans could be at risk too, the country’s health minister has said.

Elijah Muchima announced that approximately half of the 25 samples taken from milling companies were found to contain exceedingly high levels of aflatoxins, a poisonous substance produced by fungi.

Maize is the staple food in Zambia and Mr Muchima said the test results were “of great concern due to the several health implications for [the] population”.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says there is evidence aflatoxins can cause liver cancer in humans.

Authorities launched an investigation into the nation’s maize supply after Diamond TV, a Zambian broadcaster, found dozens of dogs had died from aflatoxin poisoning.

It was suspected they died after eating dog food containing contaminated maize.

In their investigation, the authorities took samples from 10 milling companies that make maize-based dog food and also process the grain to make maize meal, which is consumed by humans.

The health ministry has not reported any human deaths resulting from contaminated maize. However sources at the Zambia National Public Health Institute say they are currently trying to ascertain if the spoiled grains have had on impact on the general public.

Source:BBC