Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has assured farmers that the ongoing national livestock vaccination campaign is voluntary. However, he emphasized the importance of vaccinating animals to protect them from serious diseases.
“Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is highly contagious and can cause severe losses in milk production, reproduction, and even death, particularly among young animals,” Kagwe explained. He also highlighted the dangers of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), a disease affecting sheep and goats, which can spread rapidly and infect up to 90% of a herd, with a mortality rate of 70%.
Kagwe made these remarks during the launch of the vaccination campaign in Kisargei village, Laikipia North sub-county. He further stated that FMD and PPR are classified as ‘trade-sensitive’ diseases by the World Organization for Animal Health and that Kenya’s ability to control these diseases is crucial for maintaining access to international livestock markets.
The CS pointed out that Kenya has trade agreements with the UAE and the EU, worth trillions of dollars, and the presence of FMD and PPR could jeopardize access to these lucrative markets. He also referenced recent outbreaks in Kakamega, West Pokot, and Trans Nzoia counties, underscoring the need for widespread vaccination.
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