Anthrax Outbreak Reported In Uasin Gishu

Anthrax outbreak has been reported in Uasin Gishu County.

County’s Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries Executive Samuel Yego says there have been several cases of the disease in a number of areas.

Yego named Kiplombe, Megun, and Kapng’etuny in Ainabkoi Sub County as some of the areas that Anthrax has been reported.

Anthrax is a serious infectious disease caused by gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria known as Bacillus anthracis.

The disease can be found naturally in soil and commonly affects domestic animals.

“Anthrax is a bacteria carried from the soils and is usually during the rains,” the CECM said in an interview in his Eldoret office.

“It can be here today, and next week in the other place,” he added.

The County Executive, however, said there was no need for concern as at the current state.

He said the County Government of Uasin Gishu has already procured vaccines for the disease that will be given within the next two weeks.

“The disease is treated with medicine and also through vaccines. Previously we had no vaccines but we have now ordered and they will be arriving soon after which the exercise will commence,” Yego noted.

He asked farmers to ensure that they take their livestock to get the vaccines once the exercise begins.

The Agriculture County Executive further advised farmers to embrace the modern practice of insuring their livestock, as well as crops.

“Once anthrax is reported among your livestock, there is a high likelihood of some deaths and this is where the insurance cover for your livestock will come to your rescue – especially for those farmers rearing high-quality livestock,” Yego said.