Vihiga County has finally lifted a two-month anthrax quarantine imposed on Luanda and Emuhaya sub-counties after concluding a mass vaccination campaign that also revealed that no more cases were detected.
The department of health services, Vihiga County issued a public statement concerning the outbreak of anthrax in Ebusunzo village, Emukola sub-location, West Bunyore Ward, Emuhaya Sub-county, following the consumption of meat from a cow that died suddenly on April 7, 2026.
Anthrax, a zoonotic disease caused by Bacillus anthracis and found in the soil, killed two animals and two human cases were reported, one of which died.
In response to this, the county government rapid response teams launched surveillance and vaccination campaigns in collaboration with veterinary services.
In conjunction with the department of public human health, the department of agriculture, livestock, and fisheries conducted targeted surveys to ensure no human beings or animals died of anthrax.
Vaccinations were done around areas of Mwivona and Emukola where the incidents were reported.
Awareness was done through a baraza and animal markets were also closed in Luanda, Mwivona, and Esibuye.
In a report issued by the Department of Health Services, the residents were warned about handling animals that die suddenly and consuming meat from animals that die unexpectedly.
They were also urged to report on livestock illness or deaths immediately and seek immediate medical attention for someone who has handled the infected animals.
They were also advised to follow guidance from health and veterinary services.
Director of Veterinary Services Vihiga County, Dr. Darlington Kadenge called off the quarantine, saying that after thorough surveillance they have not seen any other animal die of the disease and therefore they see it fit to lift the quarantine and allow livestock to start moving and their people to continue trading livestock and selling meat.
He also advised them to take their animals for checkup before transporting them and obtaining a movement permit, assuring that the animal is healthy to travel.
In cases where the animal has to move from other counties to Vihiga County, he advised them to have a No Objection Certificate from the relevant authorities to confirm that the county is safe for animals to come in.
By Quinter Vunyoli
