Turkana: The Turkana County Government, in partnership with the Lotus Kenya Action for Development Organization (LOKADO), has intensified efforts to vaccinate and provide supportive treatment to livestock in several areas within Kalobeyei Ward, Turkana West. This initiative targets Oropoi, Kotubai, Katodopothonyang, and Namaniko, seeking to address the recent surge in livestock diseases due to increased animal movement.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Turkana West Sub County, which hosts the largest livestock population in the region, has witnessed a spike in disease outbreaks following cross-contamination between healthy and infected animals. The vaccination campaign, set to last six days, aims to reach 10,000 sheep and goats, with 7,000 sheep and goats and 600 cattle already vaccinated and treated, as reported by Deputy Director for Veterinary Services Erenius Nakadio.
Dr. Nakadio emphasized that the necessary veterinary supplies, cold chains, and equipment have been established to enhance disease intervention measures in the targeted areas. The focus is on controlling the spread of livestock diseases, particularly Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR). Recent reports from the Kenya Animal Bio-surveillance System (KABS) and E-surveillance have highlighted an increase in disease prevalence, with diarrheal cases at 18.8 percent and respiratory illnesses at 5.2 percent, particularly in Oropoi, Nawountos, and adjacent areas.
Lobuin Lokoki, a kraal leader and Community Livestock Disease Reporter, expressed appreciation for the county and LOKADO's swift response to diseases such as Lumpy Skin Disease, anaplasmosis, and Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia, which are prevalent during the rainy season.
Dennis Engor, Resilience and Development Project Officer for LOKADO, stated that their collaboration with the Turkana County Government has been effective in implementing livestock production and veterinary services programs. The ongoing vaccination and treatment efforts are part of a broader strategy to enhance livestock immunity along the Kenya-Uganda border, ultimately improving community livelihoods.
He also mentioned that LOKADO is actively involved in animal health interventions and rangeland ecosystem restoration through pasture seed production and grazing pattern strategies.