This archive report was first published on 9 January 2020.
January 9, 2020, marked the beginning of a crisis for livestock farmers in Kirinyaga County, as an outbreak of foot and mouth disease was reported in the Mutithi area.
The disease has already claimed the lives of some animals, leaving farmers worried and calling for urgent measures to contain the spread.
According to Kariuki Wachira, a local farmer, two of his cows have died, while six others are affected. He expressed frustration at the lack of action from the County Agriculture Department, stating, "Two of my animals have succumbed to the disease."
Wachira also criticized the department's response, saying, "Livestock officials visited my farm and only advised me on what to do to prevent the other animals from contracting the disease. They should vaccinate my animals if they are willing to help me."
The county government has confirmed the outbreak, with County Livestock Director Dr Gichangi Karimi assuring the public that there should be no cause for alarm. However, he acknowledged that the disease could have been caused by the influx of animals from neighboring counties.
Dr Karimi stated, "Local butchers are buying animals from other counties and bringing them to the area for slaughter. The animals are likely to be sick." He also announced plans to impose quarantine and vaccinate all 80,000 animals in the region against the disease.
