The Department of Veterinary Services in Murang’a has kicked off an exercise to vaccinate cattle against lumpy skin disease in parts of Kahuro Sub County, in Murang’a.
The county Veterinary Officer Dr Priscilla Waitiki said in the last two weeks, cases of the disease have been reported in parts of Mugoiri ward prompting the vaccination which will run for two weeks.
She noted that they are targeting to vaccinate more than 8, 000 cows and called on farmers to ensure their livestock get vaccinated.
Waitiki observed that due to disease outbreak transportation of livestock in the area will be limited saying only those with certificate of vaccination will be allowed to transport their animals.
“Veterinary officers are on ground to vaccinate cows against lumpy skin disease which has affected scores of animals in Mugoiri ward in Kahuro Sub County.
“We caution our farmers to be careful about quacks who are purporting to be officers from the department of county veterinary services. Those doing the vaccination must produce identification documents,” She further said.
During times when the department conducts vaccination of livestock, Waitiki observed, unauthorized people always take advantage of the exercise to hoodwink unsuspecting farmers.
“Vaccination done by quacks puts lives of livestock in danger and that’s why we urge farmers to liaise with our office and report any person they suspect and who claims to be part of the team conducting the vaccination,” she stated.
The veterinary officer said the disease is infectious and occasionally can cause death of cows saying calves are gravely affected by lumpy skin disease.
“The department has procured enough vaccines to assist farmers considering the majority of residents’ source their livelihood from dairy farming,” Waitiki said.
She recalled that towards the end of last year, the department also vaccinated livestock against anthrax in Gaturi ward in Murang’a East Sub County adding the exercise was successful since no case of anthrax has been reported in the area this year.
By Bernard Munyao
