Gov’t dismisses negative claims on planned livestock vaccination drive

The government has urged the public to disregard reports it terms malicious and unfounded regarding the planned mass vaccination of livestock scheduled for next year.

In a statement, the State Department of Livestock emphasized that the vaccination programme, set to begin in January 2025, is a critical initiative to protect animal health and safeguard the food supply.

“As the competent authority in charge of Veterinary Services and the delegate to the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) I call upon the public to disregard and ignore the malicious and unfounded allegations that this noble initiative by the Government is related to the global warming” said Director of Veterinary Services.

The national vaccination initiative, announced by the President last week aims to vaccinate 22 million cattle against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and 50 million sheep and goats against Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR).

The government’s response comes in the wake of accusations that the vaccination programme is being promoted by international research institutions seeking to introduce gene-modifying drugs into Kenyan livestock as part of an effort to reduce methane emissions.

“As global demand for animal products continues to rise, the health and well-being of livestock are of paramount importance. Livestock plays a critical role in the economies and livelihoods of millions of people worldwide, providing food, income, and employment. To ensure the health of animals and the safety of the food supply, the vaccination of livestock is one of the most effective and sustainable strategies available” said Dr Obadiah Njagi.

Dr. Njagi emphasized the importance of collaboration among governments, veterinarians, and farmers to ensure the success of the vaccination programme.

“It is imperative that governments, veterinarians, and farmers must work together to ensure that livestock vaccination programs are accessible, well-funded, and effectively implemented” he pleaded as he underscored the importance of sensitization.

“Public awareness campaigns are essential to educate farmers and the wider community about the importance of vaccination, the safety of vaccines, and the proper vaccination schedules for different types of livestock” he emphasized.

The vaccines will be supplied by the Kenya Vaccine Production Institute (KEVEVAPI), which holds a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certification.

“The ultimate aim is to achieve freedom from FMD with vaccination and eradicate PPR. Together, we can ensure that vaccination remains an essential tool in building a more resilient, sustainable, and prosperous livestock sector” he noted.

EXPLAINER: Five Key Benefits of Livestock Vaccination

Disease Prevention and Control
Vaccination is the first line of defense against many serious diseases that affect livestock, such as foot-and-mouth disease, brucellosis and peste des petits ruminants (PPR). These diseases can have devastating economic impacts, leading to significant losses in production, reduced trade, and, in severe cases, culling of animals. Vaccines help prevent these diseases from spreading, reducing the need for drastic measures.

Improved Animal Welfare
Vaccinated animals are less likely to suffer from preventable diseases, which can cause pain, distress, and even death. Ensuring livestock are properly vaccinated supports animal welfare and reduces the ethical concerns associated with disease outbreaks.

Increased Productivity and Efficiency
Healthy animals are more productive. Vaccinated livestock have higher growth rates, better reproductive performance, and improved milk and egg production. This not only supports the livelihoods of farmers but also helps ensure a stable and affordable food supply for communities worldwide.

Economic Stability
The economic cost of an outbreak of infectious diseases can be staggering. Vaccination reduces the likelihood of outbreaks, lowering the costs of medical treatment, loss of animals, and trade restrictions. It also helps keep agricultural markets stable by maintaining the supply of livestock products.

Public Health Protection
Some livestock diseases, such as zoonotic diseases, can be transmitted to humans. Vaccinating animals reduces the risk of these diseases spilling over into the human population, thus protecting public health. A strong vaccination program for livestock also supports global health efforts to combat emerging diseases.