Agriculture Ministry issues foot and mouth disease alert
A vet vaccinates an animal against foot and mouth disease in Mombasa. The Agriculture Ministry has issued an alert against foot and mouth outbreaks all over the country and asked farmers to quarantine animals affected. PHOTO | LABAN WALLOGA | NATION
What you need to know:
- Disease was also reported last year in several counties
- It can lead to lameness in mature animals and death in young ones
- Movement of animals contributing to the spread
- Cattle, sheep, pigs and camels affected
The Agriculture Ministry has issued an alert over the outbreak of foot and mouth disease in Kenya.
The government also urged farmers to report any cases of the disease to nearby veterinary offices.
Twenty six counties reported outbreaks, with Nakuru recording the highest number of sick animals, followed by Kiambu, Garissa and Uasin Gishu.
The number of animals affected in Nakuru are 21, Kiambu has seven, Garissa and Uasin Gishu six each, Nairobi five, Baringo, Bomet and Machakos reported four cases while Makueni and Trans Nzoia have three.
Bungoma, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Kisumu, Marsabit and Nandi reported two cases while Busia, Kakamega, Embu, Kericho, Kwale, Lamu, Meru, Murang’a, Narok, Nyamira and West Pokot have one each.
Foot and mouth is a viral and contagious infection that affects cloven-footed domestic animals like cattle, sheep, camels and pigs.
The disease is characterised by sores and wounds in the mouth and might lead to lameness.
Milk production in animals affected is reduced. It also kills calves.
“Signs of the disease begin showing two to 14 days after the virus gets into the body,” the alert that appeared in My Gov said.
Some of the most noticeable signs are wounds in the mouth and a dry muzzle. Strands of salive also hang from the mouth like ropes.
Control measures include quarantine.
Farmers are also advised to vaccinate their animals against the disease at least three times a year. Those intending to move their livestock to distant lands are advised to obtain permits.
Uncontrolled movement of animals due to drought, rustling and other factors contribute to the spread of the disease.
