Kajiado County Launches Vaccination Campaign for Half a Million Livestock

Kajiado, Kenya — In an effort to shield the local economy from the impact of livestock diseases, Kajiado County has initiated a large-scale vaccination campaign targeting trans-boundary animal diseases.

According to Kenya News Agency, who inaugurated the drive on Thursday, the Livestock Department aims to vaccinate more than 250,000 cattle and 300,000 sheep and goats. The vaccination will protect against several diseases, including Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), Blue Tongue Disease, Rift Valley Fever, and Peste des petits ruminants (PPR).

The deputy governor emphasized the significance of livestock to Kajiado’s economy and assured that the county administration is devoted to safeguarding the livelihoods of its inhabitants. He added that successful livestock vaccination not only promotes animal health but also enables the region’s access to local and international markets by eradicating trade-sensitive diseases.

The county has allocated Sh10 million to the vaccination campaign to forestall the spread of these diseases, which frequently surge at the onset of the rainy season.

Dr. Jackton Achola, County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture and Livestock, pointed out that the swift transmission of livestock diseases in the area can be attributed to uncontrolled animal movement and previously insufficient vaccination efforts. He noted that cross-border livestock trade could also exacerbate the spread of these diseases.

Local livestock officers have reportedly identified all vulnerable areas across Kajiado and will ensure comprehensive vaccination coverage. The initiative comes in response to the routine outbreaks of diseases like Foot and Mouth, which tend to occur with the beginning of the rainy season.

Foot and Mouth Disease, in particular, is a highly contagious viral affliction that affects cattle, sheep, goats, and other cloven-hoofed ruminants. With no existing cure for the virus, preventive vaccination remains the only effective measure. The virus can spread through various means, including direct and indirect contact with infected animals, and it can cause severe symptoms such as fever, blisters, a decrease in milk production, weight loss, and even lameness.

This preventive measure is part of a strategic effort by the Kenyan county to maintain the health of its substantial livestock resources and, by extension, its agricultural economy.