The government has issued a national alert over the outbreak of Rift Valley fever which affects livestock such as goats and cattle.
Speaking in Baringo, Livestock Principal Secretary Harry Kimutai indicated that the outbreak can be attributed to the increased rainfall which is being experienced in the area.
Kimutai urged the county government of Baringo to join hands with the National Government to vaccinate livestock in order to curb the disease before it spreads to other areas.
He also indicated that livestock in Rift Valley are more prone to the disease due to the flood beings experienced in the region.
[caption caption="File image of Livestock PS Harry Kimutai"]
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Veterinary Service Director Obadiah Njagi instructed farmers to report cases of sudden deaths and abortions among livestock to the nearest veterinary centers to help with early detection of the virus.
"It is highly advised that all persons who experience a fever of unknown origin to seek medical attention as soon as possible,” mentioned Medical Services Director Jackson Kioko.
He also directed citizens to ensure that the meat they consume has been inspected by a certified veterinary as contacting the viral disease causes a severe hemorrhagic fever which can lead to death.
Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is a viral disease which is commonly observed in livestock, for instance, cows, sheep and goats, and can also infect individuals who come into contact with infected animals.
In animals, it is spread through mosquito bites from other infected animal’s.
The virus is transmitted to humans through the handling of infected animal tissue and blood during slaughter, assisting in animal births or from the disposal of carcasses.
The last major outbreak was reported in 2006 and claimed the lives of 160 people while the livestock sector suffered a loss of about Ksh4 billion.
[caption caption="Cattle in a slaughter house paddock"]
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