Livestock markets in Alego-Usonga and Rarieda constituencies have been ordered closed following a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.
Siaya County Chief Officer for Agriculture, Food Security, Livestock, and Blue Economy Elizabeth Adongo, announced that the disease was detected last week in both areas, prompting the swift decision to impose a quarantine.
Speaking while flagging off vaccines to be used to combat the disease, Adongo said major livestock markets such as Boro, Nyadorera, Ng’iya and Aram will remain closed until the disease is contained.
She called on the public to ensure proper disposal of animal carcasses by either burning or burying them, adding that no permit will be issued for livestock movement in the affected areas.
The chief officer further called on the public to ensure that their animals are vaccinated, adding that her department will conduct a two–week vaccination campaign at designated points in the two areas.
“We expect to vaccinate more than 16,000 animals during the period,” said the chief officer adding that the exercise will be free.
County disease control coordinator, Dr Mark Otieno called for strict adherence to the guidelines, adding that foot and mouth is a highly contagious disease that can spread very fast if not managed well.
