West Pokot county government launches Foot and Mouth vaccination after outbreak

West Pokot, Kenya: The county government of West Pokot has launched a massive vaccination exercise against Foot and Mouth (FMD) disease after an outbreak that has led to closure of livestock markets in the region.

County Executive for Livestock Josiah Cheruiyot said veterinary officers had identified hotspot areas and launched a vaccination exercise to control spread of the infectious disease.

He said all animal markets in the county have been temporarily closed to avoid spread of the disease to other parts of the county until the disease is curbed.

Cheruiyot siad the markets that have been shut down include Cheptuya, Orolwo, Kishaunet, Chepareria and Chepkobegh.

"We are calling on all livestock farmers to take their animals for vaccination to the nearest vaccination points which include cattle dips," he said.

He said the exercise is free and that farmers should not pay anything for the vaccination of their animals adding that those who will extort money from farmers will be dealt with in accordance with the law.