Kenyan county enforces livestock quarantine to contain foot and mouth disease

KENYA – Authorities in Kisumu County, Kenya, have issued a livestock quarantine order to prevent the spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), a highly contagious viral infection affecting cloven-hoofed animals.

Foot and mouth disease is characterised by fever and blisters (vesicles) in the mouth and on the feet, leading to lameness and excessive salivation.

The quarantine notice, announced by County Veterinary Officer Dr. Treza Opiyo, restricts the movement of cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, donkeys, and their products into or out of Kisumu County. 

“No animals shall be moved from the affected area unless previously disinfected as directed by the veterinary officer or inspector in charge,” reads part of the notice.

The order took effect following confirmation of FMD cases in the region and mandates that all livestock remain within county borders unless a veterinary officer issues written permission. 

Dr. Opiyo emphasised that carcasses of animals that die from the disease must be “either buried at a depth of no less than four feet below the surface or burned, at the owner’s expense.”

In addition, residents must adhere to disease prevention guidelines. “No person shall leave the affected area without adhering to reasonable precautions required by the veterinary officer or inspector to prevent the spread of the disease,” the notice states.

The quarantine was issued in accordance with the Animal Diseases Act, which requires administrative officers to alert livestock owners in the surrounding area immediately upon an outbreak. Those who defy the directive risk penalties under the law.

Nandi County Maintains Livestock Movement Ban

The outbreak in Kisumu comes just months after neighbouring Nandi County announced a similar crackdown to control the spread of FMD. 

In February, Nandi County banned the movement of cattle, sheep, and pigs for one month and launched a mass vaccination campaign targeting 300,000 heads of cattle.

“Foot and Mouth Disease had spread in five sub-counties out of six,” warned Dr. Paul Sanga, Chief Officer for Agriculture and Cooperative Development. “We encourage our farmers to ensure all their livestock are vaccinated against viral FMD and other related diseases like anthrax and blackquarter.”

Nandi County Veterinary Director Dr. Samson Bitok confirmed that all livestock sale yards had been shut for a month. 

“We have closed all livestock sale yards and also put in place quarantine measures as a strategy to control further spread of the disease,” he said.

Dr. Bitok urged farmers to watch for classic FMD symptoms such as excessive salivation and lesions in the mouth, hooves, and teats. 

“Our farmers should monitor and report immediately if their cows display signs of wounds… and excessive saliva discharge,” he advised, adding that proper hydration and antiseptic disinfection of affected areas were key to treatment.

He praised the National Government’s support, noting that the ongoing cattle vaccination campaign could open new markets for Kenyan animal products if the disease is eradicated. Farmers across Nandi County have welcomed the vaccination drive, calling it a lifeline for their livelihoods.

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