Foot and Mouth Disease: What we must do to manage the outbreaks

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is an infectious viral infection of cloven-hoofed farm animals like cattle, sheep, goats, camels, and pigs. It also affects wild animals such as buffaloes and deer. The disease has an economic impact as it causes decreased milk production, abortions and poor body condition. Deaths may occur especially in young or already weakened animals. 

In 2019, the country experienced the worst outbreak of FMD in the recent past. A total of 143 outbreaks were reported across 32 counties with serious economic losses recorded by farmers. The Directorate of Veterinary Services was alarmed by this and quickly put up a team of specialists to address the cause of the outbreaks and prevent further spread of the disease.