In a move to cushion pastoralists against adverse effects of livestock diseases, the County Government and Anglican Development Services (ADS) North Rift, have intensified an ongoing livestock vaccination and treatment campaign targeting more than 25,000 animals across Turkana South and Aroo Sub-counties.
So far, over 21,000 livestock have been vaccinated and treated in the 14-day exercise aimed at curbing the spread of livestock diseases, boosting animal immunity, reducing mortalities, and safeguarding pastoralists’ livelihoods from devastating losses.
The exercise is currently underway in Lowoiyadapal, Kadongolo, Nalemsekon, Achukule, Dapal and Kaakali in Lokichar Ward, as well as Nawepeto, Ikore, Ekoropus and Napusinyen in Katilu Ward.
Speaking during a field supervision visit in Napusinyen, County Veterinary Officer Dr. Elia Lolem noted that increased livestock migration from Kapelbok, Juluk and Kainuk has led to heavy livestock concentration in the area, heightening the risk of disease outbreaks.
“The huge livestock concentration due to migration has increased cross-contamination and raised disease morbidity, especially Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) affecting goats and sheep,” said Dr. Lolem.
He warned that failure to contain the outbreaks could expose pastoralists in Lokichar and Katilu to huge socio-economic losses through increased livestock deaths, pushing vulnerable households deeper into poverty.
Dr. Lolem added that the County Government has supported the exercise by providing vaccines, veterinary drugs and other essential equipment to ensure the success of the campaign.
Beneficiary and Community Disease Reporter (CDR), Esuguru Simon, welcomed the vaccination drive, describing it as timely and critical given the high concentration of animals in grazing areas as he urged the county government to expand this exercise to reach more areas.
ADS Project Officer Turkana, Geoffrey Kibiwott underscored the importance of the exercise, called it a resilience-building exercise that will boost pastoralists’ livelihoods.
Kibiwott noted that ADS, in collaboration with the County Government, also implements programmes focusing on livelihoods, environment, health and well-being, disaster response, and peace building in Turkana South and Aroo Sub-counties.
