Livestock disease breaks out in Kasipul constituency

Homa Bay Friday April 28, 2023

K.N.A By Davis Langat

Veterinary officers in Homa Bay County are investigating an outbreak of a disease which has claimed more than 15 cows in a fortnight.

According to farmers whose livestock were affected, the disease kills the animals within 24 hours and presents with swollen hind legs and salivation.

The disease has caused deaths of animals at Kasire village, Kodera North Location where farmers have lost more than 15 cows.

A farmer, David K’Ouko who lost two cattle to the strange disease said some of the animals become too weak to stand on their feet before collapsing.

“The disease attacked my two cattle and they died within a few hours. I was shocked when I learnt that my neighbour’s cow also died the next day,'’ KOuko said.

The farmers urged the veterinary officers to move with speed to stop the spread of the disease.

“Most of us rely on cattle for livelihood. The deaths have interfered with our livelihoods,' K'Ouko said.

The farmers expressed concerns that more cattle will die in the area if urgent intervention is not taken.

Kodera North Location Chief Joseph Omoro said preliminary investigations reveal that at least 15 cattle have died so far.

He said some farmers had buried their livestock without reporting to his office.

“There are farmers who have reported the matter to my office and others who have not. I have directed the affected farmers not to eat such meat,” Omoro said.

Homa Bay county chief officer for Agriculture and Livestock Samuel Owigo confirmed that vetinarians are on the ground to intervene.

“The officers are taking blood samples of the affected animals for tests to diagnose the disease. We’re appealing for cooperation from the residents,” Owigo said.

Courtesy K.N.A