Press Release Livestock Vaccination Copy

PRESS RELEASE
Press Statement on Livestock Vaccination in the Country
Date: 15/11/2024
For Immediate Release
My attention has been drawn to the negative publicity regarding livestock vaccination in the
country. As the Director of Veterinary Services, I wish to state the following:
Kenya has a vibrant livestock sector that accounts for about 12 percent of the country’s GDP
and 40 percent of agricultural GDP. The sector employs 50 percent of the agricultural labour
force and generates a significant number of jobs along the value chain. About 60 percent of
the livestock population is found in the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) where 90 percent of
the population raise animals both for meat and milk production. In the high rainfall areas, the
sector provides employment and income mainly through dairy, poultry and pig production.
As global demand for animal products continues to rise, the health and well-being of livestock
are of paramount importance. Livestock play a critical role in the economies and livelihoods of
millions of people worldwide, providing food, income, and employment. To ensure the health
of animals and the safety of the food supply, the vaccination of livestock is one of the most
effective and sustainable strategies available.
The Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) has been designed to address the
current challenges facing the country’s economy, stimulate economic recovery and bolster
resilience. It places special emphasis on priorities that target reduction in the cost of living,
creation of jobs, achievement of more equitable distribution of income, enhancement of social
security, expansion of the tax base and increase of foreign exchange earnings. One of the five
pillars is agricultural transformation in which meat, dairy and leather value chains are
prioritized. Key enablers in achieving this is animal disease control, animal genetics and animal
feeds improvement.
In order to control preventable diseases, livestock vaccination is not only a vital tool for
preventing the spread of infectious diseases but also a key factor in ensuring the long-term
sustainability of the agricultural sector. By reducing the risk of disease outbreaks, vaccination
helps maintain healthy herds, enhances productivity, and safeguards the health of consumers.
Key Benefits of Livestock Vaccination:
1. Disease Prevention and Control

Vaccination is the first line of defense against many serious diseases that affect
livestock, such as foot-and-mouth disease, brucellosis and peste des petits ruminants
(PPR). These diseases can have devastating economic impacts, leading to significant
losses in production, reduced trade, and, in severe cases, culling of animals. Vaccines
help prevent these diseases from spreading, reducing the need for drastic measures.
2. Improved Animal Welfare
Vaccinated animals are less likely to suffer from preventable diseases, which can cause
pain, distress, and even death. Ensuring livestock are properly vaccinated supports
animal welfare and reduces the ethical concerns associated with disease outbreaks.
3. Increased Productivity and Efficiency
Healthy animals are more productive. Vaccinated livestock have higher growth rates,
better reproductive performance, and improved milk and egg production. This not
only supports the livelihoods of farmers but also helps ensure a stable and affordable
food supply for communities worldwide.
4. Economic Stability
The economic cost of an outbreak of infectious diseases can be staggering. Vaccination
reduces the likelihood of outbreaks, lowering the costs of medical treatment, loss of
animals, and trade restrictions. It also helps keep agricultural markets stable by
maintaining the supply of livestock products.
5. Public Health Protection
Some livestock diseases, such as zoonotic diseases, can be transmitted to humans.
Vaccinating animals reduces the risk of these diseases spilling over into the human
population, thus protecting public health. A strong vaccination program for livestock
also supports global health efforts to combat emerging diseases.
It is imperative that governments, veterinarians, and farmers must work together to ensure
that livestock vaccination programs are accessible, well-funded, and effectively implemented.
Public awareness campaigns are essential to educate farmers and the wider community
about the importance of vaccination, the safety of vaccines, and the proper vaccination
schedules for different types of livestock.
By making livestock vaccination a priority, we can secure a healthier future for animals,
farmers, and consumers alike, while contributing to global food security and public health. The
national vaccination program set to be rolled out is targeting vaccination of 22 million cattle
against foot and mouth disease (FMD) and 50 million sheep and goats against PPR. These
vaccines will be supplied by the Kenya Vaccine Production Institute(KEVEVAPI) which has
Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certificate. The ultimate aim is to achieve freedom from
FMD with vaccination and eradicate PPR. Together, we can ensure that vaccination remains
an essential tool in building a more resilient, sustainable, and prosperous livestock sector.
As the competent authority in charge of Veterinary Services and the delegate to the World
Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) I call upon the public to disregard and ignore the
malicious and unfounded allegations that this noble initiative by the Government is related to
the global warming.
For further information please contact the Directorate of Veterinary Services through 020-
8043441 Email: infodvs@kilimo.go.ke or Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Production Institute
through Telephone: +254724651895, Email: vaccines@kevevapi.or.ke.
End of Statement
Dr Azegele Allan, OGW.

Director Veterinary Services

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PRESS RELEASE

Press Statement on Livestock Vaccination in the Country

For Immediate Release

Key Benefits of Livestock Vaccination:

1. Disease Prevention and Control

Dr Azegele Allan, OGW.

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