Following the prevalence of foot and mouth disease in Trans Nzoia County, the government has initiated a comprehensive mass vaccination program to combat the disease of Type 4 Foot and Mouth in the region.
Governor Natembeya authorized this initiative, commencing in the Kwanza Sub-County in response to a widespread disease outbreak affecting multiple areas within the County.
The County Executive Committee member for Agriculture and Livestock Phanice Khatundi highlighted the initiative’s free nature is designed to curb the disease’s spread among cattle in the County.
Ms. Khatundi underscored the County government’s commitment to revitalize the livestock sector in the region, with the goal of boosting returns for both dairy and meat industries.
In addition to the Foot and Mouth vaccination, the County government plans to launch another vaccination program targeting pneumonia.
Khatundi stated that the disease has been reported in neighboring Counties of West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet and its effects have been felt in the respective Counties noting that as the County its aware of some of ripple effects that might be caused by the pandemic hence need to vaccinate animals against the disease.
“We’ve observed cases in our neighboring West Pokot, where livestock have been affected by pneumonia,” Ms. Khatundi said during a statement at the Bishop Muge cattle dip in the Kaisagat area.
The Kwanza ward representative Sarah Lubano emphasized the significance of farmers utilizing cattle dips for more effective tick control. She contrasted this with the less effective practice of
spraying at home.
“We have a sufficient supply of acaricides for cattle dips to efficiently control ticks, which are responsible for causing East Coast Fever disease among livestock,” explained Hon. Lubano.
The vaccination initiative unfolded at Cattle Dips in Kaisagat, Amuka, Mwangaza, Goseta, Bwayi, and Bishop Muge villages.
