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Livestock farmers in Lari Sub-County have been urged to seek veterinary services to ensure their animals remain healthy for maximum production.

Speaking in his office at Uplands Premium Dairy on Friday, Chief veterinary officer Dr James Kibe said that farmers should report any signs of illnesses on their animals to curb the spread of diseases and reduce deaths of the animals.

Dr Kibe advised the farmers to monitor the behaviour of their animals to identify any abnormalities in their behaviour to avert unnecessary deaths.

He cited foot and mouth disease caused by a virus which he noted caused high temperature and shivering in animals.

The vet said all infected animals should be isolated from the herd so that it could be treated.

Kibe said that affected animals had low appetite as the virus allows partial opening of the mouth and saliva drips from its mouth.

“Farmers fail to seek free veterinary services like artificial insemination and opt to get bulls from their neighbours for reproduction. This contributes to retarded growth in animals and consequently poor production,” said Kibe.

He however advised farmers to keep records of their animals and health status to enhance monitoring.