Uasin Gishu County targets to vaccinate more than 800,000 heads of cattle against foot and mouth disease (FMD).
The mass vaccination exercise that kicked off Wednesday at Mugundoi and Nairiri cattle dips in Cheptiret/Kipchamo ward in Kesses sub-county, led by the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Edward Sawe, will be carried out in 520 crushes across the county.
The vaccination will also include vaccinating dogs and cats against rabies, said the CECM.
Sawe explained that FMD was a highly contagious disease that affects cattle, sheep, and goats, leading to severe economic losses to farmers and livestock traders due to decreased productivity and trade restrictions.
“This initiative is part of the County’s broader strategy to control and prevent the spread of these infectious diseases, which pose significant threats to livestock health and the local agricultural economy,” added the CECM.
During the launch, Sawe assured farmers that the county had sufficient vaccines to meet the demands of the ongoing vaccination effort.
“We are committed to safeguarding the health of our livestock and ensuring that our farmers can continue their livelihoods without the fear of disease outbreaks,” he stated.
“I encourage all farmers to take advantage of this opportunity and ensure their cattle are vaccinated,” he added.
The CECM, who was accompanied by Chief Officer for Livestock Nixon Cheplong and Director Veterinary Services Dr. Philip Biama, engaged with local farmers, demonstrating the vaccination process and addressing any concerns regarding the vaccines’ efficacy and the safety of their livestock.
“The safety and health of our livestock are paramount to our agricultural productivity and food security. Therefore, it is essential that we act swiftly to ensure that all cattle in Uasin Gishu County are vaccinated against these diseases,” Cheplong explained during the exercise.
Similarly, the CECM explained that rabies remains a public health concern, and vaccinating dogs and cats was crucial in preventing its spread, particularly in rural communities where close interactions occur between humans and animals.
The initiative has been well-received by the local farming community, many of whom see it as a vital step towards securing their livelihoods against the backdrop of livestock diseases that threaten their investment and resources.
Kesses Sub-County Veterinary Officer Mr. Ditaco Ngoya urged the livestock farmers to keep an eye on vaccination schedules and to reach out to them for any further information or assistance regarding the ongoing vaccination campaign.
By Kiptanui Cherono
