The County Government of Machakos, through the Department of Agriculture, Food Security, Livestock and Co-operative under the Directorate of Veterinary Services, has successfully completed a pre-Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccination sero-surveillance exercise across all 40 wards. This comprehensive initiative highlights the county’s commitment to strengthening animal health systems and protecting the livestock sector.
The exercise involved collecting baseline serum samples to determine the prevalence and circulation patterns of the FMD virus within Machakos County. The data collected will guide evidence-based decision-making, enhance assessment of the ongoing vaccination programme, and support the implementation of the E-Voucher FMD vaccination initiative. By leveraging scientific surveillance, the county ensures that disease control interventions are both targeted and effective.
This proactive approach is expected to significantly improve FMD control, boost cattle productivity, and enhance market access for livestock farmers. The initiative directly supports H.E. Governor Wavinya Ndeti’s socio-economic transformation agenda, “Chakula Mezani, Pesa Mfukoni,” by strengthening food security and increasing household incomes across Machakos County.
