Garissa county launches massive livestock vaccination campaign

Garissa county has launched a weeklong mass vaccination targeting at least 500,000 animals.

The drive will be conducted by the county government of Garissa in collaboration with the Save the Children International.

Livestock director Dr Haret Hambe said veterinary officers will crisscross the county to undertake livestock  vaccination, deworming and treatment activities.

He said the campaign targets sheep, goats and camels from across at least 600 households.

Speaking on Thursday in Modogashe town when he launched the exercise, Dr Hambe said the vaccination would go a long way in building immunity of livestock, hence increasing productivity and income.

"Livestock farming is the backbone of our economy. As a county, we will do everything possible to make sure that our farmers do not incur losses," he said.

He urged pastoralists, to take advantage of the free vaccination, deworming and supportive treatment for their livestock by availing their animals to designated centres.

The Kenya Livestock Marketing Council vice chairman Dubat Amey while welcoming the exercise called on the government to invest more in the sector that he said remains the backborne of the region's economy.

Over 80 per cent of the county population depends on livestock for their livelihoods and food security.

"As we are all aware, livestock production is the dominant economic activity in the county and plays an integral role in driving the local economy. Time has come for the national government to prioritise uplifting this important sector," he said.

According to Livestock executive Ahmed Sharif, the sector also accounts for 75 per cent of employment in the rural setup, earning the county approximately Sh10.5 billion from livestock products annually.

Livestock production in Garissa is the dominant economic activity in the county and plays an integral role in driving the local economy.

Garissa Governor Nathif  Jama earlier said his administration continues to focus on the sector in terms of vaccination, drugs supplies and mass vaccination.

He said vaccination goes a long way in building immunity of livestock, hence increasing productivity and income.