The media reported the death of about 150 cows from an unknown disease in the DRC

In the city of Mbanza Ngungu of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), about 150 cows died from an unknown tick-borne disease. This was reported on May 24 by Okapi radio station.

"About 150 cows died from an unknown disease in Mbanza Ngungu <...> Three months ago, the first cows died from this disease transmitted by ticks, small parasites that feed on the blood of animals and humans," the publication says.

According to the radio station, the disease was transmitted to local animals from cattle from neighboring countries, which were transported through the city at the end of December 2025. Three months later, as indicated in the publication, the cows showed symptoms such as lethargy, blood in the urine, poor coordination of movements, and lack of appetite before death.

The tick disease that caused the mass death of animals is not named.

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Biologist Dmitry Safonov said on May 8 that the disappearance of ticks would lead to the collapse of soils, bird diseases and the death of forests. The expert noted that ticks are the foundation of biological balance. Many species of animals, from ants to birds, feed on tick larvae, and soil mites help recycle foliage and maintain the fertility of the earth.