Microplastics found in all Kenyan donkey faecal samples
Without food, donkeys and cattle scavenge on waste sites.
Researchers from the University of Portsmouth has found microplastics in 100 per cent of faecal samples collected from donkeys and livestock in the Kenyan island of Lamu.
The study, conducted by members of the Revolution Plastics Institute at the University of Portsmouth, could signify dangers for donkeys, people and the environment.
In a multidisciplinary approach, the project sought to quantify the amount of microplastics in donkey and cattle faeces and understand the causes and attitudes towards plastic pollution. This saw researchers observe animals’ natural feeding behaviours and survey residents and visitors on their attitudes towards plastic pollution and donkey welfare.
Researchers found microplastics in 100 per cent of donkey and cattle faecal samples analysed.
This is the first published evidence to demonstrate the spread of plastic pollution across animals in the country. However, veterinary surgeons from The Donkey Sanctuary’s clinic have long been calling for action following an increase of deaths from plastic-induced colic.
In 2024, the clinic reported a total of 108 cases of colic, with 14 of these cases resulting in fatalities. This is an average of eight donkeys being diagnosed with colic each month.
So far in 2025, the clinic has seen 91 donkeys with colic, of which 16 have died.
In a survey, half of the donkey-owning population admitted that, due to fluctuating feed prices, they could not consistently provide food for their animals. This left donkeys and livestock roaming in search of food.
An analysis of foraging patterns revealed that these animals were often feeding at waste sites and in rural areas, where one in every 10-20 items ingested was plastic.
As well as posing a health risk to donkeys and livestock, scientists warn that this could lead to major food security concerns. Scientists say that microplastics could transfer to humans through the consumption of contaminated animal products or crops fertilised with contaminated animal manure.
Researchers are now calling for community clean-ups, better waste disposal systems, and government investment in recycling and plastic alternatives.
Leanne Proops, professor in animal behaviour and welfare at the University of Portsmouth, said: Here we have clear evidence that microplastics are present across an entire animal population which has serious implications for the whole ecosystem.
“This problem extends far beyond Lamu – underscoring the urgent need for a holistic approach to mitigate the global plastic crisis.”
The full study can be found in the journal Cambridge Prisms: Plastics.
Image © The Donkey Sanctuary
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