Mandera launches livestock vaccination drive targeting 112,500 sheep and goats

KENYA – The Mandera County Department of Veterinary Services, in partnership with local non-governmental organisations, has launched a 15-day integrated livestock health campaign aimed at improving animal health, boosting productivity and safeguarding pastoral livelihoods across Mandera East, Mandera North and Banisa/Kiliwehiri sub-counties.

The large-scale intervention will focus on vaccination, disease control, farmer training and public awareness, targeting communities that rely heavily on livestock for income, food security and resilience in the arid northern county.

A key component of the campaign is vaccinating 112,500 sheep and goats against Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), a highly contagious viral disease that causes significant mortality and production losses among small ruminants across Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

Veterinary teams will also deworm 120,000 animals to reduce internal parasite burdens that affect animal health, growth and productivity. 

In addition, approximately 5,000 camels will be sprayed to control ticks and other disease vectors that contribute to livestock health challenges in pastoral systems.

The campaign will further provide targeted treatment for bacterial and parasitic infections affecting livestock in the three sub-counties.

County officials said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen resilience within pastoral production systems that are frequently affected by drought, disease outbreaks and cross-border livestock movements.

“This intervention is designed to enhance resilience and protect the livelihoods of our pastoral communities,” said Barre Shabure, County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture.

“We urge all livestock keepers to present their animals in large numbers so that they can fully benefit from this exercise.”

Campaign includes zoonotic disease and AMR awareness

Beyond veterinary treatments, the programme will include community sensitisation sessions on zoonotic diseases, which can be transmitted between animals and humans, as well as awareness campaigns on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the responsible use of veterinary medicines.

Livestock keepers will also receive training in improved husbandry practices, disease prevention measures, and early disease reporting systems to support a faster response to outbreaks.

County authorities noted that effective disease prevention and herd health management can significantly reduce livestock losses, improve market value and strengthen household resilience against climate-related and economic shocks.

The campaign comes at a critical time for the county’s livestock sector. 

Mandera recently emerged from a prolonged drought and then received improved rainfall. 

While the rains have supported pasture regeneration and livestock recovery, they have also increased the risk of disease outbreaks and parasite infestations.

The integrated approach reflects growing recognition of livestock health as a cornerstone of food security and economic stability in Kenya’s pastoral regions, where animals serve as both productive assets and sources of household income.

By combining vaccination, parasite control, disease treatment and farmer education, county officials hope to reduce disease burdens, improve livestock productivity and support the long-term sustainability of pastoral livelihoods across Mandera.

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