Sabatia: Over 6,000 cows in Sabatia Sub County have been vaccinated against Foot and Mouth disease as part of the ongoing e-Voucher vaccination programme. The initiative aims to vaccinate approximately 30,000 cows by the end of the exercise.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Sabatia Sub County Agriculture Officer, Robert Anyolo, addressed a Heads of Departments meeting, confirming the progress made so far. Initially, the vaccination process faced challenges, particularly with time-consuming door-to-door visits needed to identify and vaccinate the animals. However, with the assistance of local chiefs and their assistants, farmers are now being encouraged to bring their cows to central locations for identification and vaccination.
Anyolo highlighted the unique method of identifying cows using their muzzles, similar to how fingerprints are used for people. This identification process is expected to reduce theft, as it allows for tracking the animals’ locations at any given time.
He further explained that while the cost of vaccinating one cow is Sh110, farmers are required to pay only Sh50, with the government covering the remaining balance. The exercise is part of a national effort to manage livestock diseases, improve breeding and feeding, and ultimately enhance the quality and quantity of yields from the animals.
Additionally, Anyolo advised farmers to plant crop-friendly trees such as gravelia, fruit trees, and fodder to support agricultural sustainability.
