Aaran Tv Correspondent
Garissa County has launched a large-scale livestock emergency response programme aimed at helping pastoral communities recover from the effects of the recent prolonged drought.
The intervention, implemented under the Food Systems Resilience Program (FSRP), focuses on restoring livestock health and improving access to essential resources such as feed, veterinary care and water. Livestock remains the backbone of the local economy, and county officials say the initiative is designed to protect pastoral livelihoods and strengthen food security.
Under the programme, thousands of livestock farmers across the county will receive emergency feed and veterinary support. A total of 7,150 bags of range cubes and 7,000 mineral blocks are being distributed to help animals regain strength after months of drought stress. In addition, 1,000 litres of dewormer have been supplied to treat internal parasites that commonly weaken livestock during dry seasons.
The county has also prioritized water access for pastoralists by initiating the rehabilitation of 12 boreholes in strategic grazing areas. The move is expected to ease pressure on scarce water points and support livestock survival as grazing conditions gradually improve.
A countywide vaccination campaign targeting 320,000 animals has also been flagged off, with eight veterinary teams deployed across the region to carry out the exercise. According to the county livestock department, 50,000 cattle will be vaccinated against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) and Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP).
The campaign will also vaccinate 250,000 sheep and goats against Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia (CCPP) and Sheep and Goat Pox (SGP), alongside routine deworming.
Meanwhile, 20,000 camels will receive vaccinations against Anthrax and treatment for external parasites.
Farmers have been encouraged to take part in the programme by contributing Sh3 per small animal and Sh50 per head of cattle to support operational costs during the vaccination exercise.
County officials say the emergency response is expected to stabilize livestock health, safeguard pastoral incomes and enhance resilience among households that rely heavily on livestock production.
The initiative is being implemented in partnership with the Danish Refugee Council through the ABLI 2 programme and the Food and Agriculture Organization under the SOLO SFERA project.
Comments
Post a Comment