Marsabit begins livestock vaccination ahead of El Niño rains

By Nyabande Orwa

The Marsabit County Department of Veterinary Services has started preparations to tackle livestock diseases expected to emerge during the El Niño rains.

Speaking to Radio Jangwani, Marsabit County Deputy Director of Veterinary Services Dr. Boku Bodha said the department has received vaccines from donors. The vaccines will be used on livestock in areas at high risk of disease outbreaks, mainly Rift Valley Fever and foot-and-mouth disease.

The exercise is expected to begin within the next two days.

“We plan to vaccinate the livestock. We are targeting Rift Valley Fever hotspots, especially areas prone to flooding. In Moyale Sub-county, these are Golbo, Sololo, Dambala Fachana and Badan Rerero. We also target Shurr, Jaldesa, Loglogo and Malkis,” said Dr. Bodha.

Dr. Bodha has also urged residents living in flood-prone areas to move to higher ground to protect their livestock and reduce potential losses.

“Those in the rangelands must find safe areas and vaccinate their animals early,” he added.

He noted that the last outbreak of livestock diseases in the county was recorded in January 2024, during the rainy season.