Kenya Moves to Improve Livestock Disease Detection

Kenya is strengthening efforts to improve livestock disease detection in order to protect farmers, safeguard public health and support food security.

Diseases such as Foot-and-Mouth Disease, Peste des Petits Ruminants and parasitic infections continue to affect livestock production, reduce market access and in some cases spread from animals to humans.

Many small-scale livestock producers and pastoralist farmers still lack access to affordable and reliable diagnostic tools needed to detect diseases early and respond effectively.

To address the problem, a high-level workshop on livestock disease detection was held in Nairobi. The meeting brought together government officials, veterinarians, researchers, development partners, private sector actors and farmer representatives to discuss practical ways to improve disease testing across the country.

Principal Secretary in the State Department for Livestock Development, Jonathan Mueke, said strong veterinary diagnostic systems are essential for early disease detection, outbreak response, surveillance, food safety and trade.

He also commended ongoing efforts to strengthen Kenya’s veterinary laboratory network, improve disease reporting systems and expand the use of technology in animal health services.

Director of Veterinary Services, Dr Allan Azegele, said early and accurate disease detection helps protect livestock productivity, human health and food security.

He added that stronger diagnostic systems will allow faster response to outbreaks, reduce misuse of drugs and support targeted vaccination campaigns.

The workshop was organised by the Directorate of Veterinary Services and the Transforming Animal Health Solutions and Services for Low- and Middle-Income Countries platform, operated by GALVmed, the International Livestock Research Institute and Clinglobal.

The meeting comes as Kenya increases efforts to control livestock diseases and work towards the global target of eradicating Peste des Petits Ruminants by 2030 while strengthening One Health approaches that link animal and human health systems.

Head of Research and Development at GALVmed, Dr Karelle De Luca, said the organisation is committed to working with governments, research institutions and the private sector to ensure small-scale farmers have access to tools to manage animal diseases.

Participants also discussed ways to bridge the gap between laboratory capacity and the needs of farmers, particularly in smallholder and pastoralist systems.

Programme Coordinator for the Transforming Animal Health Solutions and Services platform, Musa Mulongo, said improved coordination between local disease reporters and national laboratories will strengthen disease surveillance, support trade and protect public health.

At the end of the workshop, stakeholders agreed to produce a report and a roadmap outlining key actions, partnerships and investment opportunities to strengthen livestock disease testing in Kenya.