Ministry of Agriculture to Restrict Movement of Unvaccinated Cattle to Curb Virus Spread

The Ministry of Agriculture has announced plans to impose movement restrictions for cattle yet to be vaccinated against foot and mouth disease.

Speaking in Wajir County on Wednesday afternoon, Agriculture Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke revealed that the new regulation was aimed at preventing the spread of livestock disease.

The PS, who was in the company of President William Ruto during the launch of the Livestock Vaccination and Restocking Drive, disclosed that once a farmer’s cattle get vaccinated, they will be given a certificate. 

According to Mueke, cattle owners will be required to show the vaccination certificate before they are allowed to move their animals from one place to another.

“Once animals have been vaccinated, the farmers will be given a certificate, and we will demand a vaccination certificate before allowing those whose cattle have not received it to move with cattle,” the PS stated.

The PS did not explain whether the decision would affect the movement of meat from one place to another. But already the government has imposed quarantines in at least four counties over an outbreak of foot and mouth disease.

His sentiments were backed by the Head of State, who expressed the government’s commitment to attaining 80 per cent herd immunity. Speaking at the same event, Ruto clarified that vaccination was the only way to eradicate lickstock diseases.

While defending the government’s ambitious goal of vaccinating all the livestock in the country, Ruto stated that the move would allow Kenya to easily access the international market for its cattle products.

“We have agreed that we will vaccinate all our cattle, including goats and sheep so that we can eradicate lick stock disease and allow farmers to receive adequate returns,” Ruto commented.

Meanwhile, Mueke’s announcement came hardly a fortnight after the government launched a nationwide vaccination campaign for all livestock, including cattle, sheep, and goats.

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, who spoke in Laikipia County on Thursday, January 27, urged livestock keepers to present their animals for vaccination at designated centers across the country.

Kagwe also went ahead to dismiss rumours about potential side effects of the vaccine on the cattle, terming such claims as propaganda. He also refuted allegations that the vaccines were imported from Western nations.

“The propaganda stems from misinformation, with many of those opposing the exercise speaking out of ignorance. Initially, I also didn’t fully understand its importance, but now I am well-informed,” Kagwe said.