Director of livestock and fishery dr. kisa J.Z Juma Ngeiywa vaccinate animals in Magadi
Over 5,000 cattle were vaccinated against foot and mouth disease in Magadi ward, Kajiado County.
The 4 day free vaccination exercise was conducted by both the National and county government started in Entasopia, Oloika,Shompole and Odonyo-nyokie.
The event was used to sensitize the local community on the importance of keeping animals disease free to increase their market value.
Speaking during the event, the director of veterinary services Dr. Kisa J.Z Juma Ngeiywa said disease spread is common in pastoralist communities.” Foot and mouth disease spread is rapid in pastoralist communities. We are doing this vaccination today and we are doing this in 14 counties including Garissa, Turkana, Lamu and many others. We are collaborating with neighboring countries to control animal movement. ”
Residents of Magadi also expressed their feelings towards the vaccination exercise saying it should be done every six months.” it has been long since our animals were vaccinated and we used to pay some money but it is now free of charge. We hope it will be done after every 6 months since there are many animals in this area.” Said Maison Olotuno a local area resident.
Area MCA Peter Pariken urged the residents to bring their animals to be vaccinated.
” Whenever there is free vaccination, please bring your animals, we want to ensure that every household has vaccinated its animal to avoid spread of diseases.”
Kajiado county commissioner Harrsame Kello added that security will be beefed up between Kenya borders to control animal movement.” we want to control cross border movement. We have talked with Tanzania security team that they also vaccinate their animals before allowing them to enter Kenya.”
CECM in-charge of agriculture Jonah Orumoi inject a cow during the vaccination in magadi ward
Kajiado county CECM in charge of agriculture, livestock and fisheries Jonah Orumoi said the county has done a lot in livestock.” This is the third consecutive year we have vaccinated over 200,000 cattle across the county. We have also built many cattle crushes across the county. In this vaccination process we are targeting where animals have migrated due to drought.”
The county parliamentary committee on livestock was also present during the event.