Ps Mueke, Kitui County Launch National PPR Disease Vaccination Campaign

In a step towards safeguarding livestock health and boosting agricultural productivity, the County Government of Kitui, in collaboration with the National Government’s State Department of Livestock Development, the World Organization for Animal Health, and Veterinaires Sans Frontieres Germany, has launched the National Peste Des Petits Ruminants (PPR) Disease Vaccination Campaign. The event took place today in Syokithumbi, within Kitui West’s Kithumula kwa Mutonga Ward.

Peste Des Petits Ruminants (PPR) is a viral disease caused by a morbillivirus, affecting goats, sheep, and some wild relatives of domesticated small ruminants, as well as camels. The disease poses a significant threat to livestock health, impacting food security and the economic stability of farmers.

During the launch, Jonathan Mueke, the Principal Secretary in the State Department of Livestock Development, announced the deployment of 700,000 vaccines to Kitui County. Mueke emphasized the national government’s commitment to eradicating PPR and enhancing livestock productivity. “These vaccines are part of our broader strategy to eradicate PPR and enhance livestock productivity, ensure food security, and the economic stability of our farmers,” he stated.

Jonathan Kyambi, Kitui’s Chief Officer for Livestock and Apiculture, reiterated the county government’s dedication to improving livestock breeds and overall agricultural output, aligning with Governor Dr. Julius Malombe’s 16-sector development plan. “Our goal is to support farmers by providing superior livestock breeds and the necessary resources to boost their livelihoods. This vaccination campaign is a crucial component of this initiative,” Kyambi said.

The PPR vaccination campaign is anticipated to significantly reduce disease prevalence, improving livestock quality in the region. The vaccination exercise is set to begin in Kanziko, Mutha, Ikutha, and Athi areas of Kitui South Sub-county in two weeks.

The initiative marks a crucial step in enhancing livestock health and supporting the agricultural community in Kitui, promising a brighter future for local farmers and their livelihoods.

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