Livestock farmers in Gatundu North Sub County have been warned against seeking cheap and unprofessional services for their livestock.
This warning was issued by the Gatundu North sub county deputy veterinary officer, Isaac Njuguna, following rampant unnecessary loss of livestock in the area.
The veterinary officer told journalists in interview on Friday that most livestock farmers in the area are fond of seeking cheap veterinary services from people whose qualifications they are not sure of.
He explained to all media journalists that just like human beings, change of weather greatly affects livestock, and failure of a veterinary officer to properly diagnose what the animal is suffering from, is likely to give wrong prescription leading to death of that animal.
Njuguna noted with concern that most livestock farmers in the area are fond of buying drugs over the counter without proper consultation and prescription.
They fear incurring an extra cost to get qualified personnel to professionally examine their livestock and advice accordingly, and end up losing their livestock, something that could have been contained.
The veterinary officer observed that apart from the loss that farmers incur after the death of their livestock, the office is also hindered in executing their mandate of disease control and surveillance, because farmers do not report such cases to their office.
In the event that a farmer had hired a private person to treat their livestock, he may not be keen in noting the trend of disease of livestock in the area.
He clarified that extension services to livestock farmers by their office is done free of charge, and farmers should not fear to seek for help from their office.