Kisumu Locks Down Livestock Movement as Foot and Mouth Disease Outbreak Spreads

Kisumu, Kenya – In a swift and high-stakes move, the Kisumu County government has imposed a strict quarantine on livestock movement following a confirmed outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), a highly contagious viral infection threatening the region’s agricultural backbone.

The quarantine affects the movement of cattle, goats, and sheep both within and out of the affected sub-counties, and aims to prevent what could become a region-wide agricultural and economic crisis.

“We have confirmed cases of FMD in several sub-counties, and immediate action is necessary to contain the outbreak,” stated Dr. Jane Doe, County Director of Veterinary Services.

Vaccination Campaign Rolls Out

As part of its emergency response, the county has launched a mass vaccination campaign, targeting all at-risk livestock in a bid to immunize herds quickly and prevent further transmission.

Veterinary teams have been deployed to strategic zones, and farmers are being mobilized to facilitate rapid vaccination and monitoring.

“FMD spreads fast, cripples productivity, and devastates farmer income. Containment is our top priority,” Dr. Doe added.

Economic Stakes High for Farmers

The outbreak hits Kisumu’s livestock sector at a vulnerable moment—just as the region was rebounding from recent drought and market shocks. Livestock contributes significantly to household income, local food security, and rural trade in the lake region.

Farmers have been urged to:

• Immediately report suspected FMD cases

• Avoid unauthorized movement of animals

• Fully comply with veterinary instructions and quarantine measures

Non-compliance, officials warn, could lead to legal action and escalate the risk of prolonged economic disruption.

Coordinated Response Gives Hope

Despite the severity of the outbreak, officials are confident that with rapid containment, mass vaccination, and strict enforcement, the county can restore stability in the livestock economy within weeks.

The Kisumu Department of Agriculture has also requested support from national veterinary services, with plans underway for cross-county surveillance and border checkpoints to stop cross-infection from neighboring counties.