The Kisii County government has started vaccinating domestic animals against Foot and Mouth Disease ( FMD) and Lumpy Skin disease ( LSD) following the outbreak of the ailment in the area.
Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development Executive Committee Member, Esman Onsarigo said they target to vaccinate more than 55,000 cattle, 6,500 dogs and cats across the county.
The CEC noted, the exercise, sponsored by the county, is part of the national government’s vaccination campaign to control FMD to foster beef production for local and international markets.
“ I urge farmers to cooperate with field officers to reduce incidences of livestock diseases, enhance livestock production and health,” Onsarigo said.
He said the outbreak of the diseases were from Transmara sub county in Narok county, adding last year, it affected some parts of Bomachoge Borabu, South Mugirango, Nyaribari Masaba and Bobasi constituencies and called on farmers to be vigilant.
Onsarigo said Lump skin Disease ( LSD) had also broken out in Bonchari, Kitutu Chache South and Nyaribari Chache sub counties and appealed to farmers to avail their animals at buying centres and markets for the jab.
“ Those who fail to comply risk prosecution under Cap 364 and 365 of the laws of Kenya as they expsoe humans and other animals to zoonotic diseases,” Onsarigo stated.
The CEC noted officers also conducted vaccinations at homes upon request by farmers, adding the county vaccinates animals from neighboring counties at ksh. 50 Ksh. 70 per cow and pet respectively.
He said the quarantine imposed on livestock and its products in South Mugirango is still in force and could be lifted in two weeks once the vaccination has been completed.
County Director of Veterinary Services, Dr Joseph Oyaro warned that rabies is a zoonotic disease transmitted from humans to animals through close contact with saliva, bites and scratches from the affected animals and urged people to be careful with the animals.
Oyaro said incubation period of rabies virus is within six months after exposure from the affected animal while it is terminal for livestock but can be treated in the first stages.
