State says 500,000 cattle vaccinated in fight against foot and mouth disease
The campaign, backed by a presidential directive, aims to immunize 22 million cattle and 50 million goats over two years.
The government has vaccinated more than 500,000 cattle against foot and mouth disease (FMD) across 36 counties as part of a national campaign launched last month.
The campaign, backed by a presidential directive, aims to immunize 22 million cattle and 50 million goats over two years, according to the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS).
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Director of Veterinary Services Allan Azegele said the vaccination drive is part of a broader effort to control FMD, a disease that has severely affected livestock and led to quarantine measures in several counties.
“The government’s intention is to implement the vaccination programme to protect livestock in line with national, regional and global control and eradication strategies against FMD,” he said.
Foot and mouth disease causes painful blisters in animals’ mouths and feet, leading to production losses.
Due to its highly contagious nature, the disease is difficult to control and is considered trade-sensitive by the World Organisation for Animal Health, limiting Kenya’s access to international livestock markets.
According to official data, Uasin Gishu County has recorded the highest number of vaccinated cattle, with 69,360 immunised, followed by Nakuru (52,320), Trans Nzoia (46,240) and Turkana (42,000). Other counties with notable vaccination figures include Kakamega (30,000), Taita Taveta (27,280) and Meru (26,960).
Loss in livestock production
“These diseases cause significant losses in livestock production and productivity, threatening food security, food safety, and economic stability due to market closures, increased treatment costs, and high mortality rates,” Azegele said.
The urgency of the vaccination drive increased following outbreaks that led to quarantines in the four counties of West Pokot, Nandi, Trans Nzoia and Kakamega.
The government has since prioritised these regions in the vaccination efforts, with West Pokot receiving over 9,120 vaccine doses.
However, Nandi is yet to commence vaccination, as it was not listed among the counties that have received doses in the DVS data.
While the DVS report does not specify immunity levels for FMD, surveys conducted in Embu, Tharaka Nithi and Kitui show improved herd immunity for targeted diseases.
“In monitored counties, immunity rates rose from single-digit or low double-digit percentages to over 80 per cent after vaccination. The World Organisation for Animal Health recommends a vaccination coverage of at least 80 per cent to effectively control these diseases – a threshold these counties have now surpassed. The results indicate herd immunity in line with international standards,” Azegele said.
Before the campaign began, some politicians and the Kenya Veterinary Association (KVA) raised concerns, accusing the government of having a hidden agenda. KVA also questioned whether the Kenya Veterinary Vaccine Production Institute (KEVEVAPI) could meet vaccine demand.
“KEVEVAPI has sufficient capacity to supply vaccines as and when required for the programme,” Dr Azegele said.
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