The County Government of Nandi has taken urgent measures to contain a widespread outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), imposing a one-month ban on the movement of cattle, sheep, and pigs. The move, announced by the Department of Livestock, is part of a broader strategy to curb the disease that has already affected five out of the county’s six sub-counties.
Dr. Paul Sanga, the Chief Officer in Charge of Agriculture and Cooperative Development, stated that a mass vaccination campaign targeting FMD, Anthrax, and Black Quarter is already underway. According to Sanga, the county aims to vaccinate approximately 300,000 heads of cattle to prevent further spread and protect farmers’ livelihoods.
“We encourage our farmers to ensure all their livestock are vaccinated against these viral infections. This is a normal disease control exercise, and we urge full cooperation from farmers to safeguard their herds,” Dr. Sanga emphasized.
The County Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Samson Bitok, confirmed that all livestock sale yards would remain closed for the next month. The quarantine measures will give veterinary officials the opportunity to manage and contain the outbreak effectively.
“We have closed all livestock sale yards and implemented quarantine measures as a strategy to curb further transmission of the disease,” Dr. Bitok explained. He further urged farmers to be vigilant and report any cases of infected animals immediately.
Foot and Mouth Disease is a highly contagious viral infection that affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, and pigs. The symptoms include wounds on the mouth, hooves, and teats, along with excessive salivation. Dr. Bitok urged farmers to look out for these signs and take immediate action if their livestock show symptoms.
“Our farmers should monitor their livestock closely. If they notice excessive salivation or wounds in the mouth, hooves, or teats, they should report to veterinary authorities without delay,” he advised.
To assist affected livestock, Dr. Bitok advised farmers to provide their animals with liquid diets rich in carbohydrates and use antiseptic disinfectants to treat external wounds caused by the disease.
He also praised the National Government’s efforts to roll out a mass vaccination campaign for cattle across the country, stating that such initiatives are key to eradicating FMD, Anthrax, and other livestock diseases.
“A successful national vaccination campaign will not only protect our livestock but also open up more international markets for Kenyan animal products,” Dr. Bitok noted.
Local farmers in Nandi have welcomed the county and national governments’ intervention, acknowledging the importance of the vaccination drive. For many, livestock farming is a crucial economic activity, and the success of disease control measures directly impacts their income and food security.
The outbreak highlights the need for continuous disease surveillance and improved veterinary services in Kenya’s livestock sector. While the immediate focus is on containment, experts stress the importance of long-term investment in disease prevention strategies, including routine vaccinations and biosecurity measures.
As the county works to control the outbreak, livestock farmers are encouraged to adhere strictly to quarantine regulations, cooperate with veterinary authorities, and ensure that all their animals are vaccinated. These efforts will be crucial in restoring normalcy and preventing future outbreaks.
