Nairobi – As Kenya prepares for the expected El Nino rains, veterinarians and health officials warn of a potential outbreak of livestock diseases, specifically waterborne and vector-borne illnesses that may affect animals in flood-prone areas.
According to a new release by Kenya News Agency, the government has already taken steps to mitigate the impact of the above-normal rainfall. Njuguna made the announcement during a media training session organized by the Food Authority Organization (FAO) of the United Nations focused on Rift Valley Fever (RVF). She confirmed that two million doses of RVF vaccines are stored at the Strategic Reserve in the Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Production Institute (KEVEVAPI). RVF is a mosquito-borne disease affecting both livestock and humans.
The Deputy Director stated that a team is already in the field conducting outreach programs to educate the public about the impending threat. Disease surveillance operations have been intensified in risk-prone counties, including early RVF vaccination campaigns in Isiolo County. “The government is prepared and there is no crisis,” Njuguna assured.
Dr. Joseph Njuguna, the project manager of an FAO project focused on El Nino-induced floods, noted that the organization is collaborating with communities in four counties—Tana River, Kilifi, Homabay, and Migori—to prepare for any potential impacts. The project also involves the distribution of certified seeds for agricultural activities once the floods recede, and plans are underway to procure 400,000 additional doses of RVF vaccines.
Dr. Matthew Muturi, an epidemiologist at the Zoonotic Disease Unit, emphasized the importance of public health education. He advised the public to control mosquito populations by relocating to higher areas and to avoid contact with sick animals. “If animals are sick, report immediately to the nearest health center,” Muturi added.
The anticipated El Nino, expected to occur in the October-November-December short rains, poses a risk in various counties including Wajir, Garissa, Tana River, Marsabit, Isiolo, Baringo, Murang’a, Kilifi, Nyandarua, and Samburu. Both waterborne and vector-borne diseases are expected to surge during this period, according to experts.