When importing semen, the straws must be named accordingly with a number that shows the ram and date of collection.

Dear Dr Othieno

I read your article on Dorper sheep in Smart Harvest because I have been thinking of rearing sheep. Could you be knowing any farmer who rears Romanov breed in Kenya and if he/she sells the lambs? Can I also import the semen from Russia, USA, India or Canada? Do we have exporters of sheep or goats in Kenya, who buy the same from farmers? 

Muturi

Thanks Mr Muturi, for reading the Smart Harvest. Your question will certainly benefit many farmers.

I see you are seriously considering being a sheep farmer if you know about Romanov sheep breed. I would also like to own this super sheep breed with a title of the highest reproduction potential, giving birth to up to four lambs (quadruplets). There is documented record high of 64 lambs from one ewe. The breed is nature made and yet so efficient in reproduction and food conservation. Its streamlined body is beautiful to the eyes. It has a naturally short tail that does not require docking. The breed has extremely long sexual activity and its gestation period is slightly shorter (139 -149 days).

I have read a lot about this Russian breed but I am yet to spot it in Kenya and I would like you to import one. So, what do you need to import Romanov sheep or its semen or goat into Kenya?

The Directorate of Veterinary Services is charged with certifying that you can import the said sheep, goat, their semen or embryos. The directorate requires that you present an international veterinary certificate. Contained in this certificate are all the requirements as directed by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). The guidelines aim at ensuring that the imported animal or genetic materials are of good health and do not carry disease causing micro-organisms.

Just like when moving animals locally, it is a requirement that you obtain a no objection to where the animals are being moved to and a movement permit from the point of origin. When importing sheep and goats you will need to prove that where they came from there was no reported case of sheep and goat pox, Rift Valley Fever or Pests Des Petits Ruminant (PPR) for the last 36 months. The country of origin should be free from scrapie disease for the past seven years.

In case of semen, the donor ram should not have shown clinical signs for leptospirosis three months prior to semen collection. The flock should also be free of brucellosis, Johnes Disease, Blue Tongue and ovine epididymitis.

When importing semen, the straws must be named accordingly with a number that shows the ram and date of collection. This must be packed appropriately and stored in liquid nitrogen throughout. At the port of entry an officer from the Directorate of Veterinary Services will inspect and as a rule retain a straw or two for further tests. Kentrade, which is a government agency, is the single window to implement and manage the National Electronic Single Window System (KenyaTradeNet System) and to facilitate international trade. It is an online platform that serves as a single-entry point for parties involved in international trade and transport logistics to lodge documents electronically, for processing, approvals and make payments for duty.

Importation of sheep or semen can be better handled by a veterinarian well versed with these requirements. There are livestock and livestock genetic importing and exporting companies that offer logistical and professional support like Eliga freight services, which can do the importation on your behalf.

[Dr Othieno was the Vet of the Year Award winner and works in the Division of Communication and Vet Advisory Services within the Directorate of Veterinary Services; [email protected]]


Want to get latest farming tips and videos?
Join Us