Kenya Veterinary Association calls for urgent action to shield livestock from El Niño

KVA President Dr. Kelvin Osore says the expected weather conditions could expose livestock farmers and pastoralists to increased disease outbreaks, animal injuries and deaths, damage to livestock infrastructure and disruption of value chains.

“The anticipated weather conditions pose significant risks to Kenya’s livestock sector,” Dr. Osore said, warning that millions of pastoralists and livestock farmers could be affected.

The association is urging the government to move beyond planning and accelerate implementation of measures aimed at reducing the impact of heavy rains and flooding on livestock-dependent communities.

Among the measures proposed are emergency pre-emptive vaccination campaigns, protection of water infrastructure, emergency destocking programmes and the deployment of mobile veterinary units to high-risk pastoral areas.

KVA is also calling for the rapid mobilisation of national and county resources, stronger coordination between governments and development partners, and timely dissemination of advisories to farmers.

The association wants vaccines, veterinary medicines, laboratory supplies, feed and fodder reserves strategically positioned in vulnerable areas before the onset of heavy rains.

Osore said Kenya should draw lessons from the 2023–2024 El Niño, which caused widespread flooding, displacement, destruction of infrastructure, livestock losses and contamination of water sources.

“For livestock-dependent households, these impacts translated into reduced incomes, food insecurity and prolonged recovery,” he said.

He added that “preparedness is considerably less costly than emergency response after disasters have already occurred.”

The KVA welcomed measures already being undertaken by the Directorate of Veterinary Services, including enhanced surveillance of vector-borne and climate-sensitive livestock diseases, parasite control, improved laboratory capacity and the pre-positioning of vaccines and emergency veterinary supplies.

The Directorate is also preparing strategic livestock vaccination programmes targeting priority diseases such as Rift Valley Fever, alongside feed and fodder preparedness, rehabilitation of water points and livestock safety measures.

However, KVA says adequate and timely financing will be critical to ensuring the plans are implemented before the weather conditions intensify.

The association and the Directorate of Veterinary Services have agreed to strengthen collaboration in public risk communication, farmer awareness, resource mobilisation and the development of a comprehensive costed preparedness and response plan.

KVA has meanwhile urged livestock owners to begin preparations by consulting veterinary professionals on vaccination programmes, strengthening parasite control, protecting feed and water supplies and identifying safe areas for animals in flood-prone locations.

Farmers have also been advised to immediately report unusual animal illnesses or deaths to veterinary authorities and follow advisories issued by the Directorate of Veterinary Services and county veterinary departments.

Dr. Osore said early action would help Kenya minimise the impact of the anticipated El Niño and protect the livelihoods of livestock producers.

“The Kenya Veterinary Association stands ready to work alongside the Directorate of Veterinary Services, county governments, development partners and livestock producers to safeguard animal health, protect livelihoods and strengthen national resilience,” he said.