Farmers Advised To Vaccinate Animals As Ripple Effect Marks World Rabies Day

By Isabella Maua

Farmers have been encouraged to follow up on the wellbeing of their animals by ensuring they get vaccinated rabies at least once annually.

Speaking during the commemoration of World Rabies Day at Chebiich in Kapkateny ward, Mt. Elgon Sub County, Titus Sagala, Country Director, Ripple Effect Kenya, mentioned that they are ready to work with farmers across the region to actualise their agenda of a thriving society.

“We are determined to support farmers, the county government of Bungoma, as well as animal health practitioners to ensure we have healthy animals and subsequently a thriving society,” said Sagala.

He further noted that they are collaborating with the county government of Bungoma, Kenya Veterinary Board, and Cosmos with support from Zoetis and Brooke East Africa to ensure animals are vaccinated free of charge and farmers are given knowledge on modern environmentally friendly farming practices.

“This week, we have had physical sessions with veterinarians and animal health practitioners in Bungoma to improve their capacity and professional development,” he divulged.

Isaac Ogutu, the Farm Systems Officer at Ripple Effect, noted that besides ensuring animals are healthy, they are also supporting farmers in sustainable agriculture.

He expounded: “We are working on a model called the agro-ecological climate-positive approach where we emphasise our farmer trainings on using resources efficiently and regenerating the soil by doing soil-friendly practices.”

Dr. Joseph Ganda, the Deputy Director for Veterinary Services in Bungoma County, lauded the farmers who graced the colourful event while cautioning them of the fatality of rabies.

“Many lives have been lost because of this fatal disease, which generally affects dogs, cats, cattle, sheep, goats, but also humans. However, today we’re glad to have attended to over 100 animals in Chebiich, observed Dr. Ganda.

Though dogs give protection at home, they at times move into the forest (which massively surrounds the Mt. Elgon region) and interact with wild animals, hence being at risk of getting rabies, which may easily be transmitted to humans in their vicinity.

“We thank Ripple Effect for its partnership with us; it has tirelessly aided in supporting donkey farmers and AHPs in animal health issues,” he concluded.

Stephen Kihara, ACC 1, Kopsiro Sub County, observed, “The presence of the ripple effect has transformed the lives of people in Mt. Elgon by introducing environmentally friendly methods of farming, which has greatly impacted the lives of residents here.”

Besides farmer groups trained by Ripple Effect, students from Bukura College were also present in the quest to gain practical experience on donkey care and how to ensure farmers have healthier animals, hence healthier and more nutritious meat from them.