The government has launched a major livestock vaccination campaign, targeting over two million goats and sheep in Isiolo County.
Accordingly, livestock keepers have been called upon to present their animals at designated vaccination centres, as the National and County governments’ supported programme commences.
The initiative seeks to curb the spread of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), a highly contagious viral disease that severely affects small ruminants like goats and sheep.
The six-month vaccination exercise jointly conducted by the County and National governments with support from the Food Systems Resilience Project (FSRP) intends to vaccinate all the shoats in the vast County.
The County Chief Officer for livestock Isaiah Epuri said the programme is part of a broader strategy to make Isiolo more attractive to investors and open up global markets for livestock products.
He urged farmers to cooperate and pay the minimal fee of Sh3 only, noting that the government was heavily subsidizing the vaccine, so that many herders could be supported to realize the long-term benefits as the farmers target foreign markets.
The County Director of Veterinary Services Dr. Peter Mwongera noted that the PPR vaccine provides lifetime immunity and encouraged farmers to take full advantage of the subsidized exercise.
A local farmer Jackson Loope thanked the officers for bringing the vaccination services directly to the villages and called on the government to intensify efforts to address other diseases that continue to threaten livestock in the area.
By David Nduro
