Mifugo Complex, June 16, 2025 (Public Communications and Media Relations)

The County Government through the Directorate of Veterinary Services in collaboration with Kenya Women Veterinary Association (KWVA), Agency for Cross Border Pastoralists Development (APaD), Ultravetis and Brooke have organized a three-day humane dog and cat population control and mass rabies vaccination campaign.

The annual campaign takes place from Tuesday 17th to 19th June, 2025 in Kanamkemer at former Oxfam offices from eight O’clock in the morning to five O’clock in the evening.

“We urge the general public to present their dogs and cats for free rabies vaccination, deworming, treatment and spraying and castration.” Director of Veterinary Services, Dr Benson Long’or has said.

He further added that free veterinary advisory services will be provided to pet owners.

The drive , Dr Long’or said, aims at reducing population of stray dogs and cats and to mitigate the risk of rabies transmission, which remains a significant public health concern in Turkana County.

On the same, APaD’s Executive Director, Sam Kimeli noted, this initiative is in line with the ongoing efforts to address the challenges posed by hydatidosis, a disease that affects both humans and animals, particularly donkeys. Through community sensitization, he said, vaccination and deworming of donkeys, aim to improve the health and welfare of donkeys in the region during the exercise.

“As part of the campaign, APaD will continue to work alongside KWVA and Turkana County’s Veterinary Services to improve livestock management practices, ensuring that donkeys, a vital part of the pastoral economy, are well cared for and remain productive.

Kimeli commended the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders involved. He said, APaD will remain committed to supporting sustainable livelihoods for pastoral communities by enhancing animal health and welfare.

The three-day event includes Dog/Cat Population Control through spray and castration, vaccination against rabies, Donkey welfare Promotion and treatment at a designated site during the campaign, tree planting and school mentorship at St. Michael Primary School, Napetet in Lodwar.