This archive report was first published on 21 May 2020.
As of last week, an outbreak of foot and mouth disease has been reported in parts of Murang'a County, with ten cows already dead and several others displaying symptoms in Ichagaki and Nginda locations.
The disease is believed to have spread through the movement of animals from one village to the other, as well as people visiting cow sheds, according to the local county government.
Central Farmers have accused the Murang'a County Government of slow response to the outbreak, which was reported a week ago.
According to Peter Kamau, the number of farmers in Murang'a South region displaying symptoms related to the disease could be higher, with many awaiting treatment from the veterinary department as they could not afford to engage the private veterinary practitioners.
“The animals displayed symptoms last week and most of the farmers were forced to embark on use traditional methods,” said Kamau.
County Agriculture and Livestock Executive Albert Mwaniki confirmed the outbreak mainly in Maragua division, with veterinary officers mobilized to embark in a vaccination exercise.
“So far 20,000 animals have been vaccinated mainly in Saba Saba area in Makuyu division,” said the executive.
Public health officers have been conducting civic education warning the locals against slaughtering sick animals.
