The County Government of Homa Bay is ramping up efforts to combat the spread of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), which has affected several sub-counties in the region. The Department of Agriculture and Livestock Development, under the leadership of Deputy Governor Joseph Oyugi Magwanga, has announced plans to carry out a mass livestock vaccination program starting in February 2025.
Lumpy Skin Disease, a viral infection that primarily affects cattle, has been causing concern due to its rapid spread in Homa Bay County, particularly in Ndhiwa, Mbita, and Rachuonyo North sub-counties. The disease is characterized by the appearance of lumps on the skin, fever, and swelling, and can severely affect livestock productivity, leading to economic losses for farmers.
Magwanga, who also serves as the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture and Livestock Development, expressed his concern over the resurgence of LSD in the area. He emphasized that the county government is working tirelessly to implement measures aimed at containing the outbreak and preventing further spread. He noted that the vaccination exercise will be a critical tool in controlling the disease and protecting the local cattle population.
This initiative differs from the National Vaccination Drive, which has faced resistance and controversy in other regions. According to Magwanga, the county government intends to execute a more localized approach by reaching out directly to farmers in affected villages. The mass vaccination campaign is expected to begin in February 2025, and it will target the villages most impacted by the disease.
Magwanga has urged farmers to cooperate with the vaccination program, emphasizing the importance of vaccinating their animals to protect them from the highly infectious LSD. He reassured the public that the county government will work closely with the farmers to ensure smooth implementation, adding that the vaccination program is crucial for safeguarding livestock health and maintaining the economic stability of farming communities in Homa Bay.
With the threat of Lumpy Skin Disease looming large, the mass vaccination initiative marks a vital step towards mitigating its impact. By taking proactive measures and ensuring that livestock are protected, Homa Bay aims to safeguard both the health of its cattle and the livelihoods of its farmers in the long term.
