The Kenya Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Eradication Council (KENTTEC) in collaboration with the County Government of Turkana, has launched an initiative to control the tsetse flies and trypanosomiasis along the Kenyan-Ugandan border as a precaution against #tsetse that can move from Uganda to Kenya.
Led by Isaiah Ndaburu Kiteto, Director for Surveillance and Control (KENTTEC) and the County Directorate of Veterinary Services, the intervention was as result of response to complaints from residents of Turkana West and Loima sub-counties who have been adversely affected by the #tsetse menace.
The team is concurrently conducting screening of livestock for trypanosomosis/Nagana, treatment of positive cases of Nagana found after the screening and deployment of traps to ascertain presence or absence of tsetse flies in Lokiriama, Urum, Oropoi and Natiira, in line with the Council’s mandate to control #tsetse and #trypanosomiasis in livestock diseases. The control method being used during the initiative is livestock spraying through supplies bought by the County Government of Turkana and some provided for by KENTTEC.
The KENTTEC Director Isaiah Kiteto emphasized on Counties affected with tsetse menace to have collaborative control initiatives with KENTTEC and other partners just as the County Government of Turkana have done.
Livestock Development County Chief Officer, Dr. Ezekiel Ekuwam, emphasized the strategic partnership with KENTTEC, LOKADO, and the USAID NAWIRI which will have a positive impact to the communities affected by tsetse and trypanosomiasis.
He expressed gratitude for their support and affirmed the County Government’s commitment to involve more animal stakeholders in disease surveillance and control.
County Director for Veterinary Services (CDVS), Dr. Benson Longor, highlighted that the current intervention focuses on tsetse and trypanasomisis control in Turkana, specifically targeting Lokiriama, Loima, Turkana West and Lokichoggio sub-counties.
Dr. Longor said the sub-counties were selected due to their proximity to Uganda’s Kidepo Valley; a known breeding ground for the tsetse flies.
The Veterinary Services Director emphasized that pooling resources for this initiative would enhance One Health initiatives, foster community-based reporting and control zoonotic diseases along international borders.
