The County Government has announced a control measure exercise aimed at eradicating Tsetse flies in parts of Turkana.

The exercise is a collaborative effort with the Kenya National Tsetse fly and Trypanosomiasis Eradication Council (KENTTEC) and WeltHungerHilf (WHH). It involves the deployment of insecticide-treated targets in the Lokiriama Sub-county.

Speaking during the exercise, the Chief Officer for Livestock Development Dr. Ezekiel Etelej said the county is keen on exterminating Tsetse flies in Turkana.

“A total of 66 Tsetse fly-treated targets have been deployed in Kekoroakwaan, Nayanaeakali, Munyeny, Nakisiria, Lomokori, Lokorongole, Lochorangikalio, Nakouetom Peace Dam and Lowoyo areas of Lokiriama Sub-county,” Chief Etelej noted

The CCO further revealed that deployment of insecticide-treated targets will also extend along the border areas of Urum and the neighboring Letea Ward with Lokipoto and Nakitongo areas being served.

“We will provide technical expertise and assistance to our livestock farmers to effectively eradicate this menace in the county,” he added.

The exercise also involves sensitisation of the local communities on the disease and training on target technology, as a control strategy to reduce infestation.

The team in the exercise was; Dr. Erenius Nakadio, Ag. Deputy Director, Vet Services, Isaiah Kiteto, Principal Zoologist, KENTTEC, Veterinary Officers, Animal Health Officers and Laboratory Technologists.

Village administrators/ chiefs, Community Animal Disease reporters(CADRs), and Community Health Promoters(CHPs) were also involved in the exercise.