The Department of Veterinary Services in Kisumu County has declared a quarantine following the confirmed outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), a highly contagious viral infection affecting cloven-hoofed animals.
In a notice addressed to the County Commissioner, Kisumu County Director of Veterinary Services Dr. Treza Opiyo announced strict containment measures aimed at halting the spread of the disease.
The quarantine applies to cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, donkeys, and their products, which are now restricted from being moved in or out of Kisumu County without explicit written authorisation.
“No stock or other animals shall be moved from or into such an area without the written permission of the Director of Veterinary Services or the Veterinary Officer or Inspector of such area,” reads the notice in part.
The directive also stipulates that any animal permitted to move must first undergo thorough disinfection in accordance with procedures outlined by veterinary officers or inspectors.
Livestock currently within the quarantined zone must be kept away from public roads and highways to prevent potential contact with people, vehicles, or other animals that could facilitate the transmission of the virus.
Additionally, the public has been warned that no person shall be allowed to leave the quarantined area without complying with all precautionary measures deemed necessary by veterinary authorities.
These measures are designed to prevent individuals from inadvertently spreading the disease beyond the county’s borders.
The notice further outlines strict procedures for handling the carcasses of animals that die from the disease.
According to Dr. Opiyo, such carcasses must be either buried at a depth of not less than four feet below the surface of the ground or incinerated—both options to be carried out at the owner’s expense.
The enforcement of the quarantine, she said, was grounded in the national veterinary law.
Under the Animal Diseases Act, once a disease is reported in a sub-county, an Administrative Officer must immediately alert all livestock owners, farm occupiers, and neighbouring communities of the outbreak and the containment measures in effect.
Dr. Opiyo emphasised that non-compliance with the quarantine rules amounts to a breach of the law.
“Any person who shall fail to obey any orders or directions or who shall do or permit to be done any act prohibited by a Veterinary Officer or Inspector under the rule shall be guilty of an offence and liable to the penalties prescribed,” she stated.
Foot and Mouth Disease poses a serious threat to Kenya’s livestock sector and economy.
The viral illness is known for its rapid spread and severe impact on livestock productivity, including reduced milk yield, weight loss, and, in severe cases, death.
While it is not usually fatal, the disease leads to significant economic losses due to trade restrictions, animal movement bans, and high veterinary costs.
The County Department of Veterinary Services has urged farmers and livestock traders to comply fully with the directive to contain the spread of the disease and protect herds across the region.
Surveillance and enforcement teams have been deployed to monitor compliance and assess the spread of the disease across the county.
By Chris Mahandara
