The Mt Kenya Times 
Dr Josuah Orori, County Veterinary officer,County Executive Committee Member in charge of Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development Dr Magret Obaga during the launch of anthrax and rabies vaccination in Bobasi Sub county photo/Elizabeth Angira
By Elizabeth Angira
The Kisii County Government has embarked on a free and compulsory anthrax and rabies vaccination campaign in Bobasi subcounty following an outbreak of the deadly anthrax disease in the area.
At least 10 cows have died, and several hospitalized in the sleepy Sugubo village along the Kisii-Transmara boarder since the first case was reported two weeks ago.
Those hospitalized had consumed a carcass of a cow that had succumbed due to the disease.
Speaking during the launch, the County Executive Committee member (CEC) in charge of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development Dr. Magret Obaga confirmed that the vaccination exercise, which targets cows, goats, sheep, dogs, and cats, will take eight days.
On the first day, veterinary officers confirmed that a good percentage of the animals were vaccinated at the outlined areas and called on farmers to take their animals at primary school or market center near them for the jab.
A county veterinary officer, Dr. Josiah Orori, said that the disease is fatal with no clinical signs, adding that once it dies, the animal oozes blood from all openings.
“Anthrax is a zoonotic disease caused by the spore-producing bacterium Bacillus Anthracis, a contagious disease that spreads quickly. I urge you to avoid opening the carcass once it dies, and it should be disposed six feet under,” said Dr. Orori.
He added that human beings can get anthrax if they have contact with the carcass or eat meat from animals that were sick when slaughtered
Dr. Obaga said the county surveillance team on alert and appealed to residents to immediately report any suspected case to authorities.
She said the contagious disease may have found its way in the county following regular cross-border interaction of animals from Transmara West.
“My office is in contact with the Transmara West Sub County administration. We will find out an amicable way of containing the disease,” said the CEC.
A veterinary officer, Dr. James Ogachi noted that a team of his colleagues will transverse the entire Bobasi region in the next eight days for the mandatory exercise and warned farmers whose animals and pets will not be vaccinated that they risk prosecution.
“This is not a voluntary but a mandatory vaccination campaign because of the dangers associated with the disease,” Dr. Ogachi warned.
Residents thanked Governor Paul Simba Arati’s administration for taking swift measures to contain the disease.
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