Residents of Githunguri Sub-County in Kiambu County have been asked to vaccinate their cattle against Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), in a bid to prevent an outbreak of the disease in the area.
The sub-county's Veterinary Officer, Karanja Ndirangu said that an outbreak of the disease has been reported in some sub-counties in Kiambu and its neighbouring counties.
Ndirangu said LSD affects cattle and can produce a chronic debility in infected animals comparable to that which is caused by foot-and-mouth disease.
He said in case of an outbreak, the mortality rate can be as high as 40 per cent or even more. The veterinary officer said the disease causes severe and permanent damage to cattle hides or the skin lesions.
Lesions in the mouth, throat and respiratory tract commonly occur, resulting in a rapid deterioration in condition and sometimes severe emaciation, which can persist for months.
He revealed that the disease outbreak started in Matehei and that now it has spread to other areas such as Kiamaiko and Ikinu and hence need for farmers to be cautious.
He said the measures to contain the disease have already began in some areas and that over 3,000 doses of the vaccine had been used to vaccinate animals in Kagwe, Kagaa, Kamburu and Matehei. Also, about 800 and 200 doses have been used in Githinga and Kamuchege respectively.
He said they are training farmers on the symptoms of LSD and other related diseases. He discouraged farmers against roadside grazing claiming that it immensely contributes to the spread of both LSD and foot and mouth disease.