Vets warn El Niño could hit livestock sector hard
The association said pastoralists and livestock farmers remain particularly vulnerable to flooding, contaminated water sources, disease outbreaks and disruptions to feed and livestock value chains.
Nairobi, Kenya, August 11 – The Kenya Veterinary Association (KVA) is urging swift action to safeguard the country's livestock industry against the anticipated effects of El Niño, expected to endure until early 2027. KVA President Kelvin Osore highlighted the potential surge in livestock disease outbreaks, fatalities, and injuries, alongside the disruption of livestock markets and damage to crucial infrastructure.
Vulnerable groups such as pastoralists and livestock farmers face threats from flooding, contaminated water supplies, disease outbreaks, and disruptions to feed and animal supply chains. Osore emphasized the severe risks posed by the forecasted weather, including heightened incidences of vector-borne and climate-sensitive diseases, livestock injuries, and deaths.
Reflecting on the 2023–2024 El Niño, which caused extensive flooding, displacement, infrastructure damage, and livestock losses, KVA stressed the importance of proactive preparedness. The association commended the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) for their planned measures, including improved disease surveillance, vector monitoring, laboratory capacity enhancement, and the stockpiling of vaccines and emergency veterinary supplies.
KVA advocated for a quicker implementation of these strategies, such as emergency pre-emptive livestock vaccinations, protection of water infrastructure, and the deployment of mobile veterinary units to high-risk pastoral regions. They also called for the activation of emergency destocking programs by September 2026, along with increased funding and quicker mobilization of resources from national and county governments.
KVA stressed the need for collaboration between the national government, county administrations, and development partners to bolster surveillance, vaccination, and emergency response capabilities in at-risk areas. The organization and DVS have pledged to enhance cooperation in farmer awareness, technical advocacy, resource mobilization, and the formulation of a detailed preparedness and response plan.
KVA urged livestock owners to seek veterinary advice, improve vector and parasite control, safeguard feed and water supplies, identify secure locations before potential flooding, and promptly report any unusual signs of illness or death in animals. Early intervention, according to KVA, would help mitigate livestock losses, preserve household incomes, and enhance Kenya's resilience to extreme weather events.
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