Livestock farmers in Mang'u and Menengai areas of Rongai, Nakuru County are counting losses following an the outbreak of Lumpy skin disease that has killed more than eight cows in the last one week.
The disease, characterised by loss of appetite, general body weakness and saliva discharge from the mouth has affected an estimated 100 cows in the area.
The worst hit area is Mang'u where veterinary officers failed to carry out vaccination after doing so in parts of Menengai.
“I was shocked to see my two cows die, though they were vaccinated when the disease was at an advanced stage, with the vaccine costing me Sh800 for the four,” said simon kariuki one of the affected farmers.
He said that veterinary officers vaccinated his cattle long after they had depicted dire signs of the deadly skin.
“Had the vaccination exercise been conducted in the two areas then it would have been possible to prevent this recent deaths,” added Kariuki.
Grace Wambui, another farmer said that she had lost four dairy cattle worth over Sh200,000, adding that the Veterinary department should take the matter seriously and carry out a massive vaccination exercise in the area in order to avert more livestock deaths.
“Most of the farmers in this area depend on proceeds from dairy cattle for our livelihood and most of us now risk being rendered poor by this scourge,” said Wambui.