The Kenya Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Eradication Council (KENTTEC) in collaboration with the County Government of Turkana, has launched an initiative to control the tsetse flies and trypanosomiasis, as a precaution against such insects that can move from Uganda to Kenya.
Led by Isaiah Ndaburu Kiteto, Director for Surveillance and Control (KENTTEC) and the County Directorate of Veterinary Services, the intervention was as result of response to complaints from residents of Turkana West and Loima sub-counties who have been adversely affected by the tsetse menace.
The team is concurrently conducting screening of livestock for trypanosomiasis/Nagana and offering treatment of positive cases found after the screening and deployment of traps to ascertain presence or absence of tsetse flies in Lokiriama, Urum, Oropoi and Natiira, in line with the Council’s mandate to control tsetse and trypanosomiasis livestock diseases.
The control method being used during the initiative is livestock spraying through supplies bought by the County Government of Turkana and some provided for by KENTTEC.
Kiteto called on Counties affected by tsetse menace to have collaborative control initiatives with KENTTEC and other partners just like the County Government of Turkana.
On his part, the county officer for Livestock Development Dr. Ezekiel Ekuwam hailed the strategic partnership with KENTTEC, LOKADO, and the USAID NAWIRI, which he said will have a positive impact on communities affected by tsetse and trypanosomiasis.
He expressed gratitude for the support and affirmed the County Government’s commitment to involve more animal stakeholders in disease surveillance and control.
The County Director for Veterinary Services (CDVS), Dr. Benson Longor, highlighted that the current intervention focuses on tsetse and trypanosomiasis control in Turkana, specifically targeting Lokiriama, Loima, Turkana West and Lokichoggio sub-counties.
Dr. Longor said the sub-counties were selected due to their proximity to Uganda’s Kidepo Valley, a known breeding ground for the tsetse flies.
The Veterinary Services Director emphasized that pooling resources for this initiative would enhance Health initiatives, foster community-based reporting and control zoonotic diseases along international borders.
By Peter Gitonga
