Foot and mouth disease reported in Marigat District

By Koikoi Susan, Olesagana Samson, Akoth Mercy, Lekumbe Saitoti and Lemerige Samuel

In the recent past, residents of Marigat District have not been able to enjoy the sale of livestock in Marigat Auction ground, this is because of reported outbreak of foot and mouth disease in Kimalel Location in late October by the ministry of Agriculture, Marigat District.

‘’The ministry has issued a quarantine to reduce the spread of the disease, through separation of the sick animals from the healthy ones,’’ said Dr. Cheruiyot of Livestock department.

‘’This therefore, means that the movement of animals from one area to the other should stop.’’ He added.

Livestock traders at Marigat auction yard.

Dr. Cheruiyot said that the auction was closed to help in guarding the mobility of the livestock. He said that Marigat is the central place and thus all people of Marigat district come to sell their livestock.

The residents have been affected adversely by the closure of the auction as they mainly depend on the livestock for their livelihood. Dr. Cheruiyot said that the ministry was planning to begin vaccinating the cows as from 18^Th November this year.

He further said that the turn up of the cows for vaccination will determine the period of the quarantine.

“I rely on selling our livestock at auction because this is where I can get school fees for my children,” said Wesley Toroitich a farmer in Marigat.

Low circulation of money has also been experienced, according to the farmer.

“Farmers are forced to persevere since when such incidences occurs the Ministry of Livestock needs to take action,” said Wesley.