Turkana County has asked the national government to support efforts to contain an increase in tsetse fly infestation reported in parts of the county, amid concerns over livestock losses and diseases associated with the insects.
Deputy County Secretary in charge of Administration Joseph Nyang’a made the appeal on Friday after hosting a national government team led by Director of Veterinary Services Dr Allan Azegele at the county headquarters in Lodwar.
The meeting focused on ongoing government efforts to strengthen the livelihoods of Pastoralists communities in Turkana, with livestock health and disease control among the key issues discussed.
In his presentation, Nyang’a said parts of the county, particularly Turkana West, had recorded an increase in tsetse flies, with some herders reporting the loss of animals to diseases associated with the insects.
“We can confirm that herders in Turkana West and other parts of the county have reported an increase in tsetse flies. Some have even reported losing their animals to diseases associated with the insect. It is for this reason that we seek the support of the national government to respond effectively,” DCS Nyang’a explained.
Nyang’a also cited government-generated livestock population data showing that Turkana has one of the largest livestock populations in the country. He urged the Director of Veterinary Services to increase the allocation of government-supported veterinary services to the county in line with its substantial livestock population.
Azegele, however, commended Turkana County for measures that have resulted in what he described as the widest coverage of livestock vaccination services in the country.
He said more than 70 per cent of Turkana’s goats and sheep had been vaccinated against Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), a highly contagious disease affecting small ruminants.
The Director also praised the county’s efforts in combating rabies and hydatidosis through a five-year partnership with the Kenya Women Veterinary Association and other development partners.
“I can easily say that Turkana stands out as a model that other counties can emulate in terms of animal vaccination and eradication of rabies and hydatidosis. We commit to support these efforts by availing more vaccines to drive the number of vaccinated animals from the current 70 per cent to 80 per cent in the near future,” Dr Azegele said.
On El Niño preparedness, Azegele said the Ministry of Health was fully aware of the potential for a Rift Valley Fever outbreak, as well as possible displacement of livestock and Pastoralists communities.
He pledged to include Turkana in the national response plan to strengthen preparedness and mitigate the potential effects of such occurrences.
The meeting also reviewed ongoing works at the Lomidat Abattoir and Tannery at Narepuu, plans to establish feedlots across Turkana, and national government efforts to introduce a digital livestock identification system.
Officials further discussed the potential of positioning Turkana as a regional hub for livestock disease surveillance and upgrading the county veterinary laboratory to a Tier Two biosafety facility.
The discussions are expected to strengthen collaboration between the county and national governments in addressing livestock diseases, improving veterinary services and protecting Pastoralists livelihoods.
