The Regional Veterinary Investigation Laboratory team of five from the Western Region Kericho Office arrived in Siaya County on June 21 to investigate and recommend a Rapid Response Plan against Rift Valley Fever in the wake of revelations that a patient died from related complications at the Siaya County Referral Hospital earlier in the week.
Led by Dr. Wamalwa, the team will be in Siaya where they will visit the areas perceived as affected thus far and will meet with various interest groups including meat inspectors and butchers.
The outcome of their visit will be a Rapid Plan of Action complete with immediate recommendations on what who must do to prevent future spread of the potential virus.
Welcoming the team when they made a courtesy call at his office, Siaya County Secretary Mr. Dave Anyona approved their proposal to immediately quarantine livestock movement in the areas so far reported as affected and the suspension of livestock slaughter in the said areas. Mr. Anyona expressed the County Government’s committment to immediately act on the teams recommendations when availed.
Dr. Hezborn Awando representing The Director of Veterinary Services at The National Government noted that the disease was being reported in Siaya for the very first time and urged the County Government to regulate consumption of livestock related foods in burial and such public spaces in the short term.
He noted that increased number of field staff would increase the speed of timely detection, reporting and sensitization of the public on related outbreaks.
Present at the briefing with the County Secretary were The County Executive Committee Member of Agriculture, Foods, Livestock and Fisheries Mr. Charles Ogada and Director of Veterinary Services in the County Government Dr. Gladys Oyoko among other government official.
