Villagers in South Africa have been living in fear after a sheep gave birth to what is claimed to be a half-lamb-half-human.
Deformed lamb scares villagers
Elders of the 4,000 inhabitants of Lady Frere in Eastern Province have claimed the creature was sent by the devil and convinced that bestiality and witchcraft caused the birth of the monster.
Because of their fear Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development sent experts to carry out tests after pictures of the creature went viral, the Mirror Online reports.
Dr Lubabalo Mrwebi, chief director of veterinary services, said: ''We can confirm this is not a hoax photo but that the severely deformed lamb was born by a sheep in Lady Frere this week which at a glance resembles a human form.
''It is not however human but a deformed stillborn lamb sired by a sheep and was subsequently infected by a Rift Valley Fever at an early stage of its pregnancy.''
He also said a sheep has 28 pairs of chromosomes compared to the 23 humans have, and dispelled the myth that sheep and humans can create a viable life form.
A post-mortem examination will take place to help calm the residents who still claim it was created by witchcraft.