By Jabali Media
Kisumu Deputy Governor (DG) Mathew Owili on Thursday reaffirmed governor Anyang’ Nyong’o administration’s commitment to animal health.
Speaking when he presided over the Kenya Veterinary Association's 59th Annual Scientific Conference at a Kisumu hotel in the lead-up to World Veterinary Day, Owili said they are investing in policy frameworks that safeguard both animal and human well-being.
“As a government, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the advancement of animal health,” he noted.
“We are embracing modern technologies, supporting professional development, and investing in policy frameworks that safeguard both animal and human well-being, in line with global standards.”
Echoing the DG’s sentiments, Dr. Mary Agutu, CEO, Kenya Veterinary Board (KVB) said veterinary officers have a clear mandate to ensure that foods of animal origin are safe for consumption.
Animal keeping, she added, has become a mainstay in the economy of the country, adding that Kenya currently has less than 3,000 registered veterinarians.
“We have a total of 2,624 registered veterinarians but we have another 12,000 paraprofessionals who complement the veterinarians,” she stated.
She urged animal keepers to always be on the lookout for outbreak of diseases such as anthrax, for appropriate action.
“You have mentioned anthrax, we would like to plead with the citizenry that in case there is a case of sudden death of animals, please ensure that you contact the closest government veterinary officer to ensure that it is not anthrax. This is because once the carcass is opened, you expose even the human beings and the environment to the infection.”
Dr. Christopher Wanga, Director of Livestock Policy, Research and Regulations, State Department for Livestock Development, Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Development noted that the government is working on programs, indicating that a national vaccination program against foot and mouth disease has already been launched.
To support development of the livestock sector, Dr. Wanga said the government is developing a livestock master plan that is based on real-time accurate livestock data that will guide targeted investments in the livestock sector.
The three-day conference which started on Wednesday will end on Friday. The World Veterinary Day will be marked at the Obwolo grounds in Kisumu, on Saturday.