Nyeri vaccines for Anthrax to target 75,000 animals

Nyeri Farmers are expected to benefit from subsidised vaccination drive which is part of the annual effort to curb, Anthrax, lumpy skin disease and rabies in livestock.

At least 7,500 animals are targeted in the vaccine exercise which will be carried out by 34 veterinary officers.

County Executive for Agriculture and Livestock, James Wachihi, said the county carried out two vaccination programs, scheduled and ring vaccinations.

“Annual scheduled vaccinations take place every year between October to December, at a specific time while ring takes place when there is an outbreak, to protect the livestock from diseases,” he explained.

.

Keep Reading

• Ditching maize for bananas
• Newcastle disease: Signs, prevention and treatment
• Regulator to register avocado packhouse dealers in crackdown
• State told to empower youth through agriculture investments

The current vaccine program for the three diseases is taking place during the short rains season because the disease causing organisms thrive in this weather.

A second program is carried out between February to March to protect animals against Foot and Mouth disease, and also sheep and goat pox.

Farmers will only pay Sh10 per animal which is a reduction from Sh100 per cow and Sh30 for dogs and goats.

“Many farmers were finding the cost of vaccination prohibitive, which is why we have subsidised the program,” he explained.

Previously, counties collaborated with the Kenya Veterinary Association which would send officers for several days, facilitated by the county government to carry out the vaccinations drive.

Unfortunately, the rabies vaccination program is characterised by low outreach because few dog owners are aware or willing to have their animals vaccinated against the diseases.

.

Keep Reading

• Successful Cucumber farming on leased land - Youth in Agriculture
• From humble beginnings to producing Cherry Tomatoes sustainably - Youth in Agriculture
• Climate smart water management and sustainable development for agriculture
• A tree planting generation that is passionate about climate