Nakuru: Nakuru County has embarked on a significant initiative to vaccinate at least 50,000 cattle against foot and mouth disease, in response to an outbreak in Rongai Sub-County. The free vaccination campaign is currently active in Koisamo and Losibil dips within Soin Ward, as part of efforts to curb the spread of the disease.
According to Kenya News Agency, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Cooperatives, Leonard Bor, confirmed that the vaccination drive also extends to other animals, with over 2,000 pets, including dogs and cats, already vaccinated in Rongai. This is part of a broader strategy to mitigate the risk of livestock disease outbreaks and reduce animal mortality.
Mr. Bor emphasized the importance of livestock farmers presenting their animals for vaccination to prevent future outbreaks. He explained that lumpy skin disease, a viral infection spread by biting insects, is closely related to pox viruses found in sheep and goats. It causes nodular ski
n lesions on cattle, necessitating urgent vaccination efforts.
The official highlighted that the viral disease is highly contagious, leading to mouth ulcers and foot lesions in cattle, goats, and sheep, resulting in significant livestock losses in the region. He attributed the outbreaks partly to farmers’ neglect in vaccinating and deworming their livestock, urging them to participate actively in the vaccination exercise.
Mr. Bor pointed out that the most effective way to contain foot and mouth disease during outbreaks is by restricting animal movement to prevent contact between healthy and infected animals.
Reports from the county government indicate that livestock farming is a major economic activity in Nakuru, generating substantial income for farmers through milk and meat sales. The county boasts 70% agriculturally productive land, offering significant potential for livestock production.
Milk production in Nakuru has been on the rise over the past four years, attributed to improved agricultural pract
ices and investments in milk collection and cooling infrastructure. Governor Susan Kihika noted that collaborations with processors like New KCC and Brookside Dairy Limited have empowered dairy farmers with training on good practices, resulting in increased milk volumes.
Governor Kihika added that dairy farmers in Nakuru earn approximately Sh 1.6 million daily from raw milk sales to processors. The growing dairy industry has led to nearly every household in the county’s 11 Sub Counties maintaining at least one dairy cow as a steady income source.