The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Related Articles
In response to an increase in Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and other livestock infections, the government has introduced a ring vaccination program in specific regions ahead of a nationwide immunization effort.
At a press conference held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Wednesday, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura announced emergency containment actions, including restricting livestock movement and shutting down markets in affected counties.
Click here to join our WhatsApp Channel
Mwaura emphasized that these control measures were activated under the Animal Diseases Control Act (Cap 364) to manage the outbreaks.
Key livestock markets in Kakamega, West Pokot, and Trans Nzoia counties, including Shinyalu and Lubao in Kakamega, Chepararia in West Pokot, and Sikhendu and Sibanga in Trans Nzoia, have been closed indefinitely to limit the disease’s spread.
Click Here To Subscribe To Our YouTube Channel
He also confirmed that ring vaccination efforts are being carried out in the impacted areas, targeting high-risk animals ahead of the full national vaccination campaign.
In Kakamega County, 2,500 cattle, 200 sheep and goats, and 19 pigs have already been vaccinated, while 4,000 doses of the FMD vaccine have been dispatched to Trans Nzoia County for mass vaccination soon.
Mwaura urged farmers in affected regions to privately vaccinate their livestock to help build immunity against the disease.
“These vaccination efforts are essential to preventing further spread and safeguarding livestock nationwide. I urge all farmers and the public to support this initiative,” Mwaura said.
He pointed out that FMD has been a recurring challenge for Kenya’s livestock sector, with outbreaks causing major disruptions to farmers’ livelihoods and the broader economy.
“These outbreaks are a serious blow to the livestock sector, affecting both animal health and the income of farmers who depend on their livestock,” he added.
FMD is a highly contagious viral disease that leads to significant losses in milk production, reproduction, and growth. The current outbreak was first reported in Trans Nzoia County in November 2024, with cases in several sub-counties. Laboratory tests confirmed the type O strain of the virus.
By January 2025, the disease had spread to West Pokot and Kakamega counties, with additional cases reported. Laboratory results for the Kakamega cases are still awaited.
Mwaura assured that the government is finalizing preparations for a national livestock vaccination program, which will safeguard animals across the country and strengthen Kenya’s vital livestock industry.
“This national vaccination initiative will be a pivotal step for the livestock sector, enhancing our ability to handle future outbreaks and protect our farmers,” Mwaura concluded.
