Kisumu: The Department of Veterinary Services in Kisumu County has declared a quarantine following the confirmed outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), a viral infection affecting cloven-hoofed animals.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kisumu County Director of Veterinary Services Dr. Treza Opiyo announced strict containment measures aimed at halting the spread of the disease in a notice addressed to the County Commissioner. The quarantine restricts the movement of cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, donkeys, and their products in or out of Kisumu County without written authorisation.
The notice specifies that no animals shall be moved without permission from the Director of Veterinary Services or an appointed Veterinary Officer or Inspector. Any animal allowed to move must first be thoroughly disinfected according to procedures outlined by veterinary officers or inspectors.
Animals within the quarantined zone are to be kept away from public roads to prevent contact with people, vehicles, or other animals, thereby reducing the risk of virus transmission. The public is also warned against leaving the quarantined area without adhering to all necessary precautionary measures set by veterinary authorities.
The notice also details procedures for handling carcasses of animals that die from the disease. According to Dr. Opiyo, these carcasses must be buried at a depth of at least four feet or incinerated, with costs borne by the owner. The quarantine enforcement is grounded in the national veterinary law, specifically the Animal Diseases Act, which mandates immediate alerts to livestock owners and communities upon a disease report.
Dr. Opiyo stressed that failure to comply with the quarantine rules is a legal offence. Violators of orders issued by a Veterinary Officer or Inspector face penalties prescribed by law.
Foot and Mouth Disease poses a threat to Kenya's livestock sector and economy, as it spreads rapidly and impacts livestock productivity. Though not usually fatal, the disease results in economic losses due to trade restrictions, animal movement bans, and high veterinary costs. The County Department of Veterinary Services has urged compliance with the directive to protect herds across the region. Surveillance and enforcement teams have been deployed to monitor compliance and assess the disease's spread.