Panic has gripped livestock farmers in Kibomet sub-location, Trans Nzoia County, after an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) killed several cattle and infected many others.
Nathan Chebor, a local farmer, said the disease had attacked 20 of his cows, killing four.
“Our livestock are affected. We call for urgent assistance because foot and mouth disease is already here, yet no action has been taken by the concerned parties,” he lamented.
Farmers expressed frustration that despite the outbreak, livestock trade and auctions at Maili Nane market continue, a move they warn could accelerate the spread of the highly contagious disease.
Fredrick Rono, another farmer, warned that unless swift action is taken, the situation will spiral out of control.
“This disease will spread. Let the vaccination of cattle not be selective,” Rono urged, calling on veterinary officers to carry out mass immunization without favoritism.
The crisis has been compounded by the closure of cattle dips in the area, depriving farmers of a critical line of defense against livestock diseases.
David Boit, a farmer, criticized the authorities for failing to respond decisively.
“The cattle dip has been closed because of the outbreak. Let them not be selective in their interventions,” he said.
Farmers are now appealing to the county government to intervene urgently through vaccination campaigns, reopening of cattle dips, and tighter controls on animal movement to contain the outbreak.
Meanwhile, fears are rising that if unchecked, the disease could devastate the region’s dairy and beef production, posing a major economic threat to thousands of households that rely on livestock for their livelihood.