The Garissa County Government, in partnership with the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), on Thursday launched a large-scale livestock vaccination and treatment campaign targeting more than 80,000 animals across Dadaab.
The 13-day exercise, being implemented under the Area-Based Livelihoods Initiative (ABLI-G II), covers four wards: Liboi, Damajale, Labisigale, and Abakaile in Dadaab Sub-County.
The programme aims to strengthen livestock health and protect the livelihoods of both host communities and refugees ahead of the high-risk disease season.
Garissa County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Livestock, and Pastoral Economy, Milgo Keinan, described the campaign as timely during the launch in Kumahumato (Abakaile Ward) and Abdisugow Village (Damajale Ward).
She noted that disease outbreaks tend to increase during the rainy season due to a rise in disease vectors.
During the launch, Keinan said county veterinary teams will provide comprehensive services, including vaccinations, deworming, treatment of sick animals, vector control, and on-site extension support.
She urged pastoralists to cooperate with veterinary officers and prioritise vaccination against key livestock diseases such as Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia (CCPP), and Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).
The County Executive noted that disease prevention is critical for safeguarding household incomes and maintaining access to livestock markets.
The campaign is expected to directly benefit at least 1,112 livestock-keeping households. It forms part of broader county efforts to enhance pastoral resilience and secure animal health in one of Kenya’s key livestock-producing regions.