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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 29267, member: 2262"] Kenya's nationwide cattle vaccination campaign has reached half a million animals since its kickoff on January 30. Uasin Gishu County tops the list with 69,360 cattle protected against foot-and-mouth disease. Nakuru follows behind with 52,320 vaccinated animals, then comes Trans Nzoia with 46,240, and Turkana with 42,000. The massive health campaign aims to protect 22 million cattle and 50 million goats across the country within the next two years. Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe officially started the program in Kisargei, located in the Segera ward of Laikipia North sub-county. Veterinary Services Director Allan Azegele emphasized immediate vaccination needs in West Pokot, Nandi, Trans Nzoia, and Kakamega, where disease outbreaks have already occurred. He pointed out how foot-and-mouth disease seriously damages livestock production and farm productivity throughout Kenya. Both foot-and-mouth disease and Peste des Petits Ruminants threaten animal health and block trade opportunities for farmers. The government plans to boost vaccination coverage dramatically from just 10 percent to 85 percent of all livestock. This expanded protection should control disease spread, make livestock farming more productive, and help Kenya compete better in international markets. Many people oppose the program because of wrong information, but officials stress that farmer participation remains completely voluntary during the three-year effort. The World Organisation for Animal Health labels these animal illnesses as "trade-sensitive" because they cross borders easily. Kenya wants official certification as a disease-free country to open more markets. Government officials explain that vaccinations increase animal health, production quality, and herd size. Current yearly losses reach Sh62 billion from closed markets, treatment expenses, and high animal death rates reaching 70 percent. Last year, teams vaccinated more than three million sheep and goats plus 570,000 cattle against these diseases in Kitui, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, and Wajir counties. Kagwe assured farmers about vaccine quality, stating that the Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Production Institute makes all the medicines locally. This government organization has produced animal vaccines since its establishment in 1990, ensuring reliable supply for the national campaign. The comprehensive vaccination effort represents a major investment in Kenya's agricultural future and international trade position. [/QUOTE]

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