The Veterinary department in Kakamega County has imposed a quarantine on the movement of livestock and livestock products in Lugari, Likuyani and Matete sub counties following an outbreak of foot and mouth
disease in the area.
The quarantine notice was issued by the director of veterinary services in Kakamega County Dr. Paul Otsyeno under the provisions of the Animals Disease Act (CAP 364) prohibiting the movement of cattle,
goats, sheep and pigs in or outside their respective sub county.
During the quarantine period, no livestock or other animal products shall be moved from or into the affected areas without a written permission from the veterinary officer.
The herding of livestock will be done as far as possible from any public road and that the carcasses of all animals that were infected by diseases shall forthwith be either buried at the depth of not less than four feet below the ground or burnt at the expense of the owner.
Speaking to West Media on behalf of the County veterinary director, Lugari sub county veterinary officer Dr. Wycliffe Muholo said the disease had been reported in several parts of the sub county by the
disease surveillance team.
He said that the infected animals became immobilized, lacked appetite and died if they didn’t receive quick veterinary attention.
As a result of the ban, Dr. Muholo revealed all livestock market centres in Lugari sub county shall remain closed until further notice. “The livestock market is also closed so there will be no livestock trade that normally happens at Kipkaren on Thursdays until we are able
to deal with the disease,” said Muholo, adding that veterinary department was seriously working on measures to control the situation.
Also closed following the quarantine are Matunda stock ring in Likuyani sub county and Matete stock ring in Matete where livestock trade is normal conducted on Saturdays in both markets.