Marsabit county launches mass animal vaccination

Marsabit county government through the Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries on Wednesday launched a two-week mass vaccination campaign of livestock targeting over 90,000 animals.

The vaccination was occasioned by this year's El Nino rains which are normally associated with fatal animal disease.

The exercise in partnership with PACIDA, FH Kenya and Concern aims to address the heightened risk of Rift Valley Fever across the county.

While launching the exercise, CECM Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Hussein Ali Hussein said the mass vaccination against Rift Valley Fever prevents transmission of disease after heavy rains and flooding.

He said it serves as a proactive measure to break the transmission of the cycle and reduce Rift Valley Fever incidence.

He said the vaccination safeguards livestock from the severe consequences of the fever including a high mortality rate and preserves the livelihoods of the local population that is heavily reliant on pastoral activities.

The executive urged the technical staff that will be involved in the exercise to work closely with the livestock farmers to achieve maximum rescue.

" We don't want to leave gaps. Livestock farmers should fully cooperate and present their animals in designated vaccination areas," he said

Hussein said the vaccination will go a long way in ensuring that livestock is disease-free.

"The livestock sector is sensitive and any outbreak could lead to quarantine and closure of markets," he said

The Agriculture and livestock executive said the exercise is part of an ongoing vaccination and treatment campaign.

He noted that the administration of Governor Mohamud Ali recognises the role the livestock play in the economy hence promoting the livestock population.

He said the vaccination drive will be conducted in all the 20 wards within the county.

"County Government under the leadership of Governor Mohamud Ali recognises the critical role that livestock sectors play in our economy. We are committed to promoting a healthy livestock population," said the executive.

He said the county government has procured essential veterinary drugs and vaccines to mitigate the effects of animal disease, urging all livestock owners to participate in the campaign and take advantage of the free vaccination.

"Vaccination reduces the incidence of disease, prevents unnecessary animal deaths and promotes healthy livestock population," he said

He said the vaccination entails deworming and an assortment of treatment drugs.

The chief officer of livestock and vertinery services Dr Halkano Arero said the two-week mass vaccination is geared towards boosting the herd's immunities against transboundary animal diseases and is expected to vaccinate over 90 animals.

He noted that livestock keeping was the main economic activity in the county and that the government was committed to protecting the source of livelihoods of its residents.

" Livestock vaccination is a key component in animal health," said Dr Arero

He revealed that Sh8 million has been set aside for exercise to prevent the spread of diseases which are common during the onset of the rainy season.

He attributed uncontrolled livestock movement and low vaccination coverage to the fastest spread of livestock diseases adding that cross-border livestock trade also poses a danger to the spread of livestock diseases.

The livestock chief officer said his team of veterinary officers have mapped out all areas across the county prone to the disease and they will ensure all livestock get vaccinated.

He said diseases like Rift Valley Fever which affects domestic animals and is most commonly associated with mosquito-borne epidemics during years of unusually heavy rainfalls can be prevented through vaccination.

"I encourage all livestock keepers to get the vaccination," he said

He said the county is focusing on livestock production to ensure food security.

"The main objective of the vaccination is to increase productivity in the livestock sector through prevention of disease," said the chief officer.

He urged residents to cooperate with the veterinary officers who will be transversing the villages and have all the animals vaccinated.

He appreciated the role played by the partners in ensuring the exercise will be run smoothly.