Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has assured farmers that the ongoing national livestock vaccination is voluntary.
“However, Foot and Mouth Disease is a highly contagious viral infection that causes significant losses in milk production and reproduction and, in severe cases, death, especially among young animals,” he said.
“Similarly, Peste des Petits Ruminants affects sheep and goats, spreading rapidly and potentially infecting up to 90 per cent of the herd. It’s mortality rate is 70 per cent. It is therefore important for farmers to present their animals for vaccination.”
Kagwe spoke during the launch of the nationwide livestock vaccination campaign in Kisargei village, Laikipia North subcounty.
According to the World Organization for Animal Health, FMD and PPR are classified as ‘trade-sensitive’ transboundary animal diseases.
The CS said Kenya’s ability to prevent and control these diseases directly impacts the country’s access to international markets for livestock and livestock products.
“Kenya has trade agreements with the UAE and the EU, each with a GDP of USD 850 billion and EUR 17 trillion, respectively. These are lucrative markets, but Kenya risks losing access to them due to the presence of diseases like FMD and PPR. The vaccination programme is vital to address these risks,” Kagwe said.
He cited recent outbreaks in Kakamega, West Pokot and Trans Nzoia counties. In Trans Nzoia, an FMD outbreak was reported in November last year across several subcounties, including Cherangani, Kwanza, Kiminini, Saboti and Endebess.
Samples from the affected areas were sent to the National FMD Referral Laboratory, where the type O serotype was isolated.
In West Pokot, an FMD outbreak caused by the SAT 1 strain was reported last month in Chepararia.
Kakamega also reported an FMD outbreak in Shinyalu and Malava subcounties in December last year, with clinical diagnosis pending laboratory confirmation.
As required by the Animal Diseases Control Act (Cap 364 ), quarantine was imposed on January 2, in Kakamega and ring vaccinations carried out.
A total of 2,500 cattle, 200 sheep and goats and 19 pigs were vaccinated and livestock markets in Shinyalu and Lubao closed. In West Pokot, quarantine was enforced in Chepareria, with the local livestock market also closed.
Trans Nzoia has also been under quarantine since November last year. The county veterinary department has received 4,000 doses of FMD vaccine and plans to conduct ring vaccination are underway. Vaccination by individual farmers is, however, going on.
“As evidenced by closure of the markets and movement restrictions, the ongoing outbreaks have severely affected farmers’ incomes,” Kagwe said.
He urged farmers to present their animals for vaccination as scheduled and to follow biosecurity protocols and good husbandry practices.
“Report any sick animals to a veterinary officer for treatment and avoid presenting sick animals for vaccination. Active participation and cooperation from farmers are essential for achieving the desired vaccination coverage and establishing herd immunity,” Kagwe said.
Kagwe said the vaccination campaign will use a risk-based approach, prioritising regions with high disease prevalence, border areas and disease hotspots identified through epidemiological assessments.
Both pre- and post-vaccination surveys will be conducted to monitor the progress and effectiveness of the campaign.
“The launch of the vaccination programme in Laikipia symbolises the beginning of Kenya’s journey towards achieving international recognition of freedom from FMD and PPR by the World Organization for Animal Health,” Kagwe said.
“This will significantly improve access to global markets, increase farmers’ incomes, and enhance livelihoods of livestock keepers.”
Last year, more than three million sheep and goats and over 570,000 cattle were vaccinated against PPR and FMD in Kitui, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, and Wajir counties.
Laikipia was chosen for the launch due to its central location, high livestock population, and the presence of both dairy and pastoral systems.
It is anticipated that approximately 345,000 cattle and 936,000 sheep and goats will be vaccinated in Laikipia county.
“The government
will work with development partners and industry players to fund
the initiative,” Kagwe said.
