Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries chief officer Dr. Enos Amuyunzu said the county had placed stringent measures to ensure animal products destined for markets were disease free. [Photo/softkenya.com]
The county government of Nakuru has indefinitely banned livestock movement from Rongai sub-county following an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in the area.
The disease was first reported and detected a week ago in Mosop Ward and no death has been reported among domesticated animals.
The outbreak has been blamed on the influx of livestock from neighboring Kajiado and Narok counties into Nakuru County.
Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries chief officer Dr. Enos Amuyunzu said the county had placed stringent measures to ensure animal products destined for markets were disease free.
“Currently, veterinary officers are on the ground sensitizing farmers on the free ring vaccination program and on the need for isolation of the sick animals from the healthy heard,” said Dr. Amuyunzu.
While overseeing vaccination of animals at Ogilgei Cattle Dip in Mosop Ward earlier today, Dr. Omuyunzu said farmers should avail their animals at designated areas for vaccination.
“We are aware that some farmers are using traditional brews purporting to treat sick animals. That can’t work but will help spread the disease further,” he warned.
He advised that for already sick animals, farmers should administer Magadi Soda for cleaning of wounds in the mouth and feet and also the use of antibiotics to cover secondary bacterial infections.
He said the disease was of great economic importance as it is easily spread and affect large herd of animals that if not contained in time would lead to poor production or even death.
“We have collected samples across the county and taken to Embakasi Foot and Mouth Disease Laboratories for confirmation of disease and determination of the serotype,” the Chief Officer noted.
He revealed that the Foot and Mouth disease Type O had affected animals within Matueku - Mosop Ward and Gogar Farm - Visoi Ward
Animals in Magare -Visoi Ward, Rafiki - Soin Ward, Mercy Njeri -Menengai Ward, and Sumek -Mosop Ward have tested positive for Foot and Mouth disease Type Sat II.
“The already sick animals, especially in Boror where the disease originated, will not be vaccinated but treated,” he said.
The foot and mouth disease is an infectious and sometimes fatal viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals, including domestic and wild animals.
Veterinary officers say the virus causes a high fever for approximately two to six days, followed by blisters inside the mouth and on the feet that may rupture and cause lameness.