Nyamira County has shut two major livestock markets after an outbreak of foot and mouth disease.
The County Agriculture Livestock and Fisheries CEC Alice Manoti on Wednesday announced the move after 15 incidents had been confirmed in cattle.
The affected markets are Metamaywa market in Borabu Subcounty and Keroka's Nyansira market in Masaba North Subcounty.
Further, movement of livestock has been barred in the affected Subcounties.
Livestock farmers and sellers have instead been advised to quarantine their animals until the disease is contained.
The county has started sensitising farmers on biosecurity and first aid to using magadi salt.
The farmers have also been advised to seek the services of veterinary officers as a key measure in controlling the disease as samples have been taken for confirmation.
According to Manoti, samples had been collected and taken to the Food and Mouth Disease (FMD) laboratory for confirmation.
"Samples have been collected and taken to FMD Embakasi laboratory for confirmation and Identification of the virus strain to enable immediate vaccination of healthy animals," Manoti told journalists.
She further said due to the outbreak, the reopening of the affected markets and movement of livestock shall be announced when all will be well.
"Reopening of the affected markets and movement of livestock will be announced when the disease has been contained," the CEC affirmed.
So far, 15 cattle have been affected and are currently getting treatment by veterinary officers from the Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries department from Nyamira County.
Nyamira shuts livestock markets after foot and mouth disease outbreak
