Farmers from six villages in Kwabwai Ward, Ndhiwa Constituency have benefited from mass deworming of their livestock.

The animals were also sprayed with acaricides to control ticks following a spike in animal diseases and deaths associated with worms and tick infestation.

Ndhiwa Sub County Veterinary Officer Kennedy Oranga said more than 1200 animals benefited from the exercise.

He said the exercise was undertaken after more than 80 cattle died due to diseases associated with worms and ticks.

Oranga said some of the affected villages included Nyoniang’, Ong’ere, Kanyotieno, Nyaguok Oromo Ng’or, Dunga and Nyamware.

‘The animals been treated against worms and tick borne diseases. Let residents remain vigilant and report cases of animal illnesses for prompt response,’ Oranga said.

Speaking during the exercise at Nyoniang Grounds, the officer said they are planning to vaccinate livestock against black water fever.

He said their assessment revealed that black water fever was one of the leading cause of live
stock deaths in the area.

The vet urged residents to report cases of animal diseases and disinfect with acaricides livestock regularly to keep diseases at bay.

‘My office is ready to support farmers in Ndhiwa for the good health of their animals,’ he added.

Residents who took their livestock for the exercise Jane Olango, Erick Awuor and Moses Odondo said they raised an alarm after losing many animals.

Livestock such as cattle, sheep, goats and donkeys were treated during the exercise.

‘Livestock is a source of livelihoods to many people in this area any losses will impact negatively on the local economy,’ Olango said.

Awuor and Odondo commended the Vet Department for the prompt response.

‘Some farmers have counted heavy losses because of the infestation, we are grateful for the swift response to avert further loses,’ Awuor said.

Source: Kenya News Agency