This archive report was first published on 21 September 2019.
Published on September 21, 2019, a quarantine has been imposed in counties under the North Rift Economic Bloc (Noreb) following a surge in foot and mouth disease cases.
Agricultural officials reported at least 157 cases of the disease in the past week, with the worst-hit counties being Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Nyamira, Elgeyo Marakwet, and West Pokot.
According to Noreb CEO Dominic Biwott, the disease has spread to counties in western and North Rift regions, prompting a meeting between agriculture county executives and county directors of veterinary services to deliberate on finding a long-term solution.
“The disease dangers are severe if the regions do not take decisive action. We have unanimously synergised efforts to save the livestock industry as early as possible,” said Biwott.
As part of the measures to contain the disease, Noreb has resolved to roll out mass vaccination against the disease from October 13 to 26, with the National Directorate of Veterinary Services and the Kenya Veterinary Vaccine Production Institute expected to provide subsidised vaccines.
Internal county livestock markets will not be affected by the quarantine, as veterinary directors from respective counties in the Noreb and LREB economic blocs have agreed to sanction licensing of animals into and out of the counties.
