The government has distributed 2 million vaccines to affected counties to counter the rinderpest virus.
The virus, scientifically known as Peste des petits, is highly contagious and targets small ruminants, especially goats and sheep.
According to Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) Jebii Kilimo, the country's effort towards food security will be boosted by the distribution of the vaccines.
“This vaccine will go a long way in ensuring our livestock is protected and help in safeguarding livelihoods of families that depend on the ruminants,” she said while flagging off the vaccines in Nairobi on Thursday
In the first rollout that begins today, largest share of the vaccine will be distributed to Narok and Kajiado counties.
Data from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) shows that between 2006 and 2008, Kenya lost 1.2 million animals to rinderpest.
The virus can infect up to 90 per cent of sheep and goats and between 30 and 70 per cent of the infected animals can die.
Symptoms of infection include fever, discharges from the eyes and mouth, disturbed breathing and cough as well as diarrhoea.
FAO data also indicates that the annual impact of the disease in 2016 crossed the Sh1 billion mark with experts fearing the virus may wipe out livelihoods in the affected regions.
The FAO’s representative in Kenya Carla Mucavi said that the virus poses a serious threat to livelihoods, particularly in arid and semi-arid areas.
“This vaccine is a clear indication of our resolve to fight the virus and help in eradicating it by 2027, and in so doing we shall have ensured that livelihoods are protected, especially in Asal regions,” said Mucavi.
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