‘Your Livestock Will Die!’ – Gov’t Warns Farmers Refusing Cow Vaccination
Kenyans may have to pay extra for meat and dairy products if farmers do not comply with the government’s vaccination campaign.
According to Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Dr Andrew Karanja, farmers who do not follow the vaccination instruction issued last month risk losing their cattle to disease.
This could lead to a lack of vital products.
Speaking during a vaccination campaign on Friday, December 13, the CS underlined four risks that the country, particularly livestock farmers, may suffer if they do not vaccinate their livestock.
CS Karanja indicated that the immunization drive is one of the several measures and actions the administration is implementing to enhance the agricultural sector.
— Dr Andrew Karanja (@DrAndrewkaranja) December 13, 2024
According to the CS, if animals are not vaccinated, farmers would lose income, and livestock will die.
Other hazards that the government may face if farmers do not comply include food shortages and a drop in international trade.
“We are addressing threats such as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) through a planned mass vaccination campaign,” Karanja noted.
“This ensures safe meat, milk, and other products while adhering to global food safety standards.”
“The absence of such interventions could lead to livestock fatalities, food shortages, loss of income for farmers, and a decline in international trade due to non-compliance with global food safety standards,” the CS continued.
According to the CS, the decision to vaccinate cattle is part of meeting global food safety standards.
Get Facts on why the Government is pushing for livestock vaccination program in January 2025. As elaborated by CS Andrew Karanja, the purpose is to fight Foot and Mouth Disease in Cattles and other diseases in sheep and goats. This will also help in reaching the Internal… pic.twitter.com/KISDIioMFj
— Naipamei Kaikai (@Kaikainaipaa) December 13, 2024
He also stated that the government is boosting livestock productivity by increasing forage and feed production, improving breeding programs, and expanding livestock insurance.
To prevent disease, the government plans to vaccinate 22 million cattle and 50 million sheep and goats.
This has created controversy and debate, prompting the Head of State to respond to criticism.
While the government claims the move is safe and necessary, other leaders, stakeholders, and Kenyans have criticized it as malevolent.
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On Wednesday, President William Ruto slammed individuals who opposed the drive, calling them foolish.
“Anybody opposing the vaccination of diseases among our livestock is mad, unreasonable, and possibly stupid; or they don’t have cattle. If you don’t have cattle, shut up,” the agitated President Ruto said.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka stated that the government is using the countrywide immunization program to promote a genetically engineered method that will hurt Kenyans.
Other leaders who have criticized the government on the issue include DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa and Jubilee Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni.
‘Your Livestock Will Die!’ – Gov’t Warns Farmers Refusing Cow Vaccination
