The county government of Taita Taveta has lifted the ban on livestock movement in and out of Mwatate sub-county after containment of Foot and Mouth disease in the region.
The department of agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and irrigation reported that the ban has been lifted, effective 30th March 2021.
“The department wishes to inform the public that the movement of livestock ban that came into effect on 9th February, 2021 has now been lifted effective Tuesday 30th, March, 2021,” read part of statement from the department.
The ban came into force following reports of widespread cases of Foot and Mouth Disease (FDM) in the sub-counties of Voi, Mwatate and Taita in February.
After the ban, the veterinary department undertook thorough and extensive surveillance to assess the outbreak and spread of the disease as the infected animals were vaccinated.
The department also engaged farmers who were advised to offer local remedies to the infected animals including isolating them from the healthy ones to avoid the spread of the disease.
Despite the containment of the disease, the county government will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates and advisory to farmers over the disease situation in the region.
By Arnold Linga Masila
