The Veterinary Department in Bomachoge Chache Sub County of Kisii County has launched a livestock and pets vaccination exercise in the area against lump skin and rabies, following an outbreak of the two diseases in area since the end of last month.
The exercise which kicked off last week is projected to run until Wednesday of this week in an effort to control the spread of the diseases.
Speaking to KNA, veterinary officer in Bomachoge Chache Peter Motoki said that there has been average response from the residents in the area to bring forth their animals for vaccination attributing it to low publicity of the exercise and financial constraint.
“We engaged local authorities like sub chiefs, school heads and the clergy to communicate to the locals about the exercise, but the low turnout indicates that the communication did not reach everybody,” said Motoki.
To vaccinate a cow, a farmer pays Sh50 for each, while a pet such as a dog or a cat, it would cost a farmer Sh70.
“Treating a cow infected by lumpy skin disease would cost a farmer not less than Sh500 while sorting out hospital bills of an individual bitten by a dog that has not been vaccinated against rabies would cost more than Sh10,000, it is therefore logical for the locals to bring their animals for vaccination,” added Motoki.
The department has so far vaccinated about 1800 animals; a number Motoki believes is low compared to their number in the area.
By Misheba Alfred
