KISUMU, Kenya July 11 –Authorities in Kisumu County have issued a comprehensive quarantine notice in response to a confirmed outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), a highly contagious viral illness affecting cloven-hoofed animals.
In a formal directive addressed to the Kisumu County Commissioner, the County Veterinary Officer, Dr. Treza Opiyo, announced strict measures to contain the spread of the disease.
Effective immediately, the movement of livestock, including cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and donkeys, as well as their products, has been restricted within the county boundaries.
According to the notice, no livestock or other animals may be transported into or out of the affected area without prior written authorisation from the Director of Veterinary Services, the designated Veterinary Officer, or an authorised Inspector.
“No animals shall be moved from the quarantined area unless they have been thoroughly disinfected by guidelines provided by the Veterinary Officer or Inspector in charge,” the statement read.
It further instructed that all livestock within the restricted zones must be kept away from public roads as much as possible to reduce the risk of transmission.
Additionally, individuals residing in or travelling from the affected area must comply with all preventive protocols as directed by veterinary authorities.
Failure to do so may result in legal penalties under existing public health and animal disease control regulations.
The notice emphasised that all carcasses of animals that die from the disease must be either buried at a depth of no less than four feet below the ground or incinerated, with the cost of disposal falling to the animal’s owner.
This directive is issued under the relevant provisions of the Animal Diseases Act, which mandates that once an outbreak is reported, local administrative officers must promptly notify all livestock owners and farm occupants in the surrounding areas of the potential threat.
The notice concluded with a warning: “Any person who disobeys these instructions or allows prohibited actions as defined by the Veterinary Officer or Inspector shall be deemed to be in violation of quarantine regulations and shall be subject to prosecution and penalties as prescribed by law.”
Authorities have urged livestock owners, traders, and residents to fully cooperate with veterinary and administrative officials to help prevent further spread of the disease.
