This archive report was first published on 10 May 2021.
Kenya's Tana River County has embarked on a crucial initiative to safeguard its livestock population against deadly diseases. A 22-day vaccination and treatment campaign has been launched, targeting 70% of the county's livestock.
The campaign, which will be carried out in three sub-counties, aims to protect animals from diseases such as Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia (CCPP), Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), and Newcastle Disease.
According to Dr. Paul Mwamburi, the County Director of Veterinary Services, the campaign will administer vaccines to cows, goats, and chickens. 'We will administer vaccines on CBPP for cows, CCPP for goats, PPR for goats and sheep, and Newcastle Disease for chickens,' Dr. Mwamburi said.
Notably, Newcastle Disease has affected many poultry farmers in Tana River, and the campaign aims to provide relief to these farmers. Dr. Mwamburi added that the county has 300,000 doses for Newcastle Disease, which will cater to all chickens free of charge.
The campaign is being carried out in conjunction with Groots Kenya, a local organization. The County Director noted that Tana River is susceptible to Rift Valley Fever (RVF) and will conduct a second vaccination campaign to administer vaccines against RVF.
Trypanosomiasis disease, mainly transmitted by tsetse flies, has also been a challenge to farmers in the Tana Delta Sub County. However, the disease does not have a vaccine.
By Sadik Hassan
