Turkana County Government, together with the Lotus Kenya Action for Development Organization (LOKADO), has intensified vaccination and treatment efforts for livestock in several areas of Kalobeyei Ward, Turkana West. The targeted locations include Oropoi, Kotubai, Katodopothonyang, and Namaniko.
Turkana West Sub County holds the largest livestock population in the region. Recently, increased livestock movement in parts of Kalobeyei Ward has caused healthy and infected animals to mix. This has led to outbreaks of several livestock diseases.
“The campaign will last six days and aims to vaccinate 10,000 sheep and goats,” said Erenius Nakadio, Deputy Director for Veterinary Services. “So far, we have vaccinated and treated 7,000 sheep and goats and 600 cattle.”
Dr. Nakadio added that sufficient veterinary supplies, cold storage, and equipment have been put in place to strengthen disease control efforts. The main focus is on Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), a highly contagious viral disease.
Recent reports from the Kenya Animal Bio-surveillance System (KABS) and E-surveillance show a rise in disease cases. Diarrheal illnesses account for 18.8 percent of cases, while respiratory illnesses make up 5.2 percent. These cases have mostly been reported in Oropoi, Nawountos, and nearby areas.
Lobuin Lokoki, a community livestock leader and disease reporter along the border, thanked the county government and LOKADO for their quick response to sick animals.
“We appreciate the timely intervention for our livestock suffering from Lumpy Skin Disease, anaplasmosis, and Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia, which are common during the rainy season,” Lokoki said.
Dennis Engor, Resilience and Development Project Officer at LOKADO, said the organization is working closely with Turkana County Government to improve livestock production and veterinary services.
“Our partnership with the county has been effective. The current vaccination drive is one of many efforts we have supported to boost immunity among livestock near the Kenya-Uganda border. This helps prevent animal deaths from disease and strengthens community livelihoods,” Engor explained.
He also noted that LOKADO is involved in restoring rangeland ecosystems. Their programs include pasture seed production and managing grazing patterns to support animal health.
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