(Mombasa) – The State Department for Livestock Development is urging Kenyan farmers to vaccinate their livestock as part of a national effort to control and manage diseases that have been causing heavy economic losses in the country. The vaccination program will target 22 million cattle to protect them from foot and mouth disease (FMD), and 50 million goats and sheep against peste des petits ruminants (PPR).
At a press conference in Mombasa, Secretary Administration at the State Department Joshua Chepchieng emphasized that the best approach to managing livestock diseases globally is through vaccination and treatment. He noted that the program aims to control and ultimately eradicate these diseases, which have affected not only the livelihoods of communities dependent on livestock but also the national economy.
The national vaccination campaign will be led by the Director of Veterinary Services in coordination with county veterinary services. The government’s goal is to vaccinate millions of animals to curb the spread of FMD and PPR, which have caused considerable damage to the livestock industry.
Dr. Sabuni Alex, Managing Director at the Kenya Veterinary Vaccine Production Institute (KEVEVAPI), highlighted the significant economic impact of FMD, especially in the dairy farming sector. The disease leads to losses when livestock markets are closed, and export bans are imposed. PPR, on the other hand, causes high mortality rates among goats and sheep, further exacerbating the financial challenges faced by farmers.
KEVEVAPI, a government-established institution that produces affordable animal vaccines, will supply the vaccines for the program. Dr. Alex explained that the institute has been producing FMD vaccines in Kenya since 1964, with the vaccine production now carried out under the authority of KEVEVAPI.
Dr. Christopher Wanga, Director of Livestock Policy Research and Regulation, stated that controlling livestock diseases is vital for global trade. He emphasized that without proper vaccination, Kenya’s livestock sector would face serious trade restrictions. “Livestock vaccination is a historical practice, and we ask all Kenyans to allow their animals to be vaccinated,” Wanga said. He encouraged farmers to seek accurate information and avoid politicizing the science behind vaccination.
Dr. Abram Sangura from the Directorate of Veterinary Services added that vaccination is critical in preventing animal diseases that can spread across borders. He noted that FMD not only causes economic losses but also disrupts the dairy sector by reducing milk production and restricting animal movement, which affects market access.
Sangura also pointed out that for vaccination efforts to be effective, at least 80 percent of livestock in the country need to be vaccinated. However, he acknowledged that county governments have faced challenges in mobilizing sufficient resources to reach this target. The national government has pledged to provide support to ensure that vaccinations are carried out on a large scale.
In addition to vaccination efforts, Director of Livestock Production Bishar Elmi spoke about the government’s ongoing initiative to support dairy farmers. The government is providing bulk milk coolers to dairy cooperatives to improve milk aggregation, reduce post-harvest losses, and enhance market access. Elmi noted that in the first phase of the program, 350 milk coolers were distributed to dairy cooperatives in 38 counties.
Elmi also mentioned that in phase two, plans are underway to deliver an additional 230 milk coolers in 544 locations. The procurement process is expected to be finalized soon, with deliveries scheduled to begin in January 2025.
Table: Livestock Vaccination and Milk Cooler Program Details
| Program | Target Livestock | Total Vaccination Goal | Milk Cooler Program | Coolers Delivered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FMD Vaccination | 22 million cattle | Foot and mouth disease | Bulk milk cooler distribution | 350 coolers in 38 counties |
| PPR Vaccination | 50 million goats/sheep | Peste des petits ruminants | Phase 2 milk cooler delivery | 230 coolers planned in 544 locations |
| Milk Cooler Phase 2 | Dairy farmers in 38 counties | Milk collection & processing | Finalizing procurement for January 2025 |