Over 170,000 livestock targeted as Mandera and Garissa ramp up vaccination drives

Thousands of herders in Mandera and Garissa counties are set to benefit from major livestock vaccination campaigns launched this week, aimed at curbing deadly animal diseases and protecting livelihoods.

In Mandera, the County Department of Veterinary Services has rolled out a 10-day vaccination and treatment drive across Mandera East, Banisa, Mandera North, and Kutulo sub-counties, targeting over 170,000 animals.

The campaign, implemented in partnership with the Frontier Counties Development Council (FCDC), seeks to shield pastoral livelihoods from disease outbreaks that often devastate herds and incomes.

According to the County Department, 60,000 sheep and goats will be vaccinated against peste des petits ruminants (PPR), 105,000 will be dewormed against internal parasites, and 4,500 cattle will be immunised against black quarter and anthrax.

The intervention is expected to directly benefit nearly 17,000 households and improve the well-being of more than 100,000 residents who rely on livestock for survival.

While flagging off the exercise, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Bare Shabure, lauded the joint effort, saying the initiative "marks a vital step toward a disease-free, productive livestock sector that sustains livelihoods and supports economic growth."

He urged herders to cooperate with veterinary officers fully, adding, "Healthy animals mean healthy families and stronger communities. Let's all bring our animals forward for vaccination."

Resilient livestock economy

The County Director of Veterinary Services, Dr Ali Noor, praised FCDC for its continued collaboration, emphasising the shared goal of building a resilient livestock economy in northern Kenya.

Meanwhile, in Garissa County, a similar initiative has been launched. The county government, in partnership with the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), has rolled out the second phase of the Mass Livestock Vaccination Campaign under the ABLI-G II Project.

The 10-day drive targets 80,000 animals in Dertu and Liboi, aiming to boost livestock health, enhance productivity, and improve resilience against climate shocks.

County Executive Committee Member for Livestock and Agriculture, Milgo Dubow, said the partnership demonstrates Garissa's commitment to "a healthy, productive, and resilient livestock sector that drives regional development." She added, "The exercise is timely, particularly this time of rainy season."

Both counties have urged livestock owners to participate fully in the ongoing campaigns, stressing that widespread vaccination remains the most effective defence against recurring animal disease outbreaks.

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• 000 livestock targeted as Mandera and Garissa ramp up vaccination drives