The program seeks to reduce recurring outbreaks that have continued to affect both dairy and beef production systems in the region.
Officials from the Department of Livestock and Veterinary Services urged farmers to present their cattle for vaccination, noting that the exercise is central to improving animal health and restoring market confidence for livestock products.
Speaking during the exercise at Majengo Primary School grounds in Usigu Sub County, National Agriculture Value Chain Development Project coordinator Vincent Okoth said the campaign aims to strengthen animal health systems and improve farmer access to markets. He noted that Siaya and neighboring counties frequently experience outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease, which increase production costs and reduce profitability for farmers.
Okoth said farmers will pay a subsidized fee of 50 shillings per cow while the government, through NAVCDP, will cover the remaining 110 shillings per animal. He said the subsidy is intended to encourage maximum participation in the vaccination exercise across all livestock-keeping areas.
Okoth added that the exercise also includes animal registration using muzzle technology, which will help identify livestock in cases of theft or movement across different regions. He said the system will strengthen traceability and support livestock management efforts.
Disease control and county targets
County Director of Livestock Production and Veterinary Services Dr Otieno Owino said Siaya aims to vaccinate 115,000 cattle during the ongoing campaign. He said the initiative is part of a nationwide effort to control and eventually eliminate foot-and-mouth disease in livestock populations.
Dr Owino emphasized that achieving at least 70 percent vaccination coverage would significantly help contain the spread of the disease. He urged farmers across the county to cooperate with veterinary officers to ensure the success of the program.
Bondo Sub County veterinary officer Dr Clay Ngoye said the introduction of muzzle-based identification technology will also help reduce cases of cattle theft. He compared the system to fingerprint identification in humans, noting that it allows each animal to be uniquely identified and tracked.
Farmers participating in the campaign welcomed the initiative but raised concerns over delayed communication regarding vaccination venues. They urged authorities to improve coordination to ensure more livestock are reached in time.
Livestock keepers said recurring outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease have continued to affect incomes and market opportunities. They expressed hope that the vaccination campaign will reduce losses and improve productivity in both dairy and beef value chains.
Officials said the exercise will continue across the county in the coming weeks as teams move through designated vaccination points. They encouraged farmers to stay alert and present their animals during scheduled visits to maximize coverage.
The county government said it will continue working with national partners to strengthen disease surveillance, vaccination, and livestock identification systems. Authorities added that improved coordination is expected to enhance livestock trade and support long term resilience in the sector.
