The Nyamira County administration is concerned about a new foot-and-mouth disease epidemic, which has infected at least 15 cattle.

Alice Manoti, a member of the Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries County Executive Committee (CECM) said that the illness had been detected in Nyansiongo, Esise, and Gesima wards.

PHOTO | COURTESY A cow

The CECM stated that the county government has subsequently taken steps to prevent the spread of the disease, including immediately closing the Metamaywa and Keroka cattle markets.

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Ms. Manoti further stated that transferring cattle into and out of Masaba North and Borabu sub-counties is prohibited and that the county will educate farmers on biosecurity and first aid for infected animals.

PHOTO | COURTESY A cow

“We wish to notify residents that samples have been collected and taken to FMD Embakasi Laboratory for confirmation and identification of the virus strain to enable immediate vaccination of healthy animals,” she stated.

She added, “The re-opening of the livestock markets and allowing livestock movement shall be done once the disease is contained.”