The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock has responded to the negative perceptions about livestock vaccinations a day after Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka called on the public to reject any attempts by the government to vaccinate their livestock.
In a statement, the Ministry through the Director of Veterinary Services has defended the drive stating that livestock play a critical role in the economies and livelihoods of millions of people worldwide.
The Director said that 22 million cattle will be targeted in the program as part of the government’s plans to control the foot and mouth disease (FMD).
He went on to assure that the vaccines will be supplied by the Kenya Vaccine Production Institute (KEVEVAPI) which has a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certificate.
Ministry of Agriculture clarifies issue about livestock vaccinations
“By making livestock vaccination a priority, we can secure a healthier future for animals, farmers, and consumers alike, while contributing to global food security and public health,” the statement assured.
“The ultimate aim is to achieve freedom from FMD with vaccination and eradicate PPR. Together, we can ensure that vaccination remains an essential tool in building a more resilient, sustainable, and prosperous livestock sector.
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As the competent authority in charge of Veterinary Services and the delegate to the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) I call upon the public to disregard and ignore the malicious and unfounded allegations that this noble initiative by the Government is related to the global warming.
At the same time, the Director called on relevant stakeholders to work together so that the vaccination programs are well-implemented.
“It is imperative that governments, veterinarians, and farmers must work together to ensure that livestock vaccination programs are accessible, well-funded, and effectively implemented.
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Kalonzo lashes out at government’s attempt to vaccinate cattle
Public awareness campaigns are essential to educate farmers and the wider community about the importance of vaccination, the safety of vaccines, and the proper vaccination schedules for different types of livestock,” the statement read.
The Director’s statement comes at a time when there has been widespread criticism from various leaders and stakeholders about the livestock vaccinations program.
Also Read: Kalonzo Issues Statement on Planned Cattle Vaccination in Kenya
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka described the suggested vaccination program as a sinister motive driven by a foreign agenda.
Kalonzo argued that the vaccination plan is being championed by international research institutions aiming to introduce gene-modifying drugs into Kenyan livestock, purportedly to reduce methane emissions into the atmosphere.
Further, he said that the vaccinations being pushed by the government have been rejected everywhere else in the world including the United States of America.
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