Kirinyaga County has kicked off a sweeping livestock vaccination campaign to protect its cattle population from the devastating Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD).

Aiming to immunise approximately 80,000 head of cattle, the initiative reflects the county’s intensified focus on supporting livestock farmers, with a one-month effort anticipated to deliver a shield of protection across the region’s agricultural heartland.

The campaign, led by the county’s veterinary department, marks the first phase of Kirinyaga’s annual dual-cycle vaccination strategy.

With a completion date set for November 16, 2024, the drive represents a cornerstone of Governor Anne Waiguru’s wider Wezesha Kirinyaga programme.

This programme, which has transformed the lives of dairy farmers, provides a holistic suite of support, including subsidised livestock feed, artificial insemination (AI) services, animal feed production technology, milk processing machinery, training, and marketing resources.

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“We conduct two vaccination rounds each financial year to manage livestock diseases and safeguard the health of our animals,” explained Dr. John Gachara, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Livestock, Veterinary, and Fisheries.

“We also organised around 60 farmer training sessions to reinforce disease management practices and raise awareness on livestock care. This vaccination round offers a vital opportunity for all farmers to protect their herds,” Gachara added, urging farmers to participate.

For Kirinyaga farmers, the vaccination campaign has brought not only peace of mind but also welcomed financial relief. Rose Wambui, a farmer from Umbui village in Kutus, shared her gratitude:

“I’ve vaccinated my 16 animals for only Sh100 each. Normally, I’d pay around Sh1,000 per animal with private services, so this subsidy is a huge help.”

With the savings, Wambui can invest in other farm essentials, enhancing her herd's well-being.

A key feature of the campaign, the door-to-door vaccination method, has streamlined the process and provided added protection for livestock by minimising interactions with other herds.

Farmer Hillary Kamotoku remarked, “Vaccinating our animals at home saves time and reduces the risk of spreading disease between herds.”

The initiative has also extended beyond cattle, with dogs and cats across Kirinyaga being immunised against rabies.

Dr. Catherine Mulonzi, Head of Veterinary Services in Kirinyaga, underscored the broad scope of the campaign, noting, “Lumpy Skin Disease remains endemic in our region. This vaccination drive is essential for protecting our livestock and, in turn, securing the livelihoods of our farmers.”

Lumpy Skin Disease, according to the World Organization for Animal Health, is a highly infectious illness that primarily affects cattle, causing painful nodules on the skin, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and occasionally death.

The disease can also lead to temporary declines in milk production, potential sterility in bulls, and damage to the animals' hides, all of which can impact a farmer’s income.

As Kirinyaga’s vaccination campaign continues, the county’s farmers express renewed confidence in their future, buoyed by the collective push to reinforce livestock health.

Through targeted support, improved veterinary care, and cost relief, Kirinyaga’s agricultural community stands on a firmer foundation to meet the challenges ahead.