Homa bay: The Department of Veterinary Services in Homa Bay County has initiated a mass vaccination campaign aimed at protecting livestock from Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).
According to Kenya News Agency, Charles Oduor, the Homa Bay County Director of Veterinary Services, highlighted that the county typically experiences outbreaks of the disease twice a year. Oduor emphasized that vaccination will enable farmers to market clean meat and access international markets, which often restrict imports from regions where livestock diseases are not controlled. He noted that while Foot and Mouth Disease kills about 20 percent of infected young animals, it impacts 100 percent of the herd. He further advised that at least 70 percent of a herd should be vaccinated, although ideally, all animals should receive the jab to ensure a healthy herd whose meat can be sold both locally and internationally.
The vaccination initiative is supported by the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP) and targets at least 206,000 animals registered in 2023 through the Kenya Integrated Agricultural Management Information System (KIAMIS). Farmers are required to pay a nominal fee of Sh 50 per animal.
Governor Gladys Wanga expressed her administration’s commitment to eradicating livestock diseases, stressing that vaccines are much less expensive compared to market rates. She urged all farmers to vaccinate their animals, warning that those who do not could further spread the disease while efforts focus on elimination.
Judith Ombok, Homa Bay County Agriculture and Livestock Chief Officer, mentioned that the department is updating the farmer register to capture new data, as some animals may have either died or been born since the previous census. She described the vaccination campaign as a significant step in animal health management in the county and revealed plans for a mass vaccination against Lumpy Skin Disease in the future.
