The County Government of Uasin Gishu has intensified efforts to tackle rising cases of East Coast Fever (ECF) and growing acaricide resistance by hosting a two-day regional vaccination training for veterinary officers. This initiative was organized in collaboration with JUANCO, Silcore Group–Silver Feeds, and local cooperative societies. Over the past year, the county has strengthened disease surveillance, upgraded dipping facilities, and stepped up farmer sensitization, improving early detection and response to tick-borne diseases.

The training was officially opened by CECM Agriculture Dr. Sam Kotut alongside Chief Officer Eng. Abraham Kiptalam, and brought together veterinary officers from Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, and Nandi counties. Technical veterinary teams and experienced trainers led sessions on correct vaccination procedures, effective farmer engagement, and practical demonstrations at Tuiyo Cooperative Society, Cheluget’s farm.

To make vaccination more accessible, the cost is conveniently deducted from farmers’ milk payments, reducing financial pressure while ensuring wider participation. The cooperative-based approach, supported by JUANCO and Silcore Group–Silver Feeds, also guarantees proper record-keeping, follow-up monitoring, and smooth coordination. Experts highlighted that the life ECF vaccine provides lifetime protection, lowers production costs, and reduces reliance on chemical acaricides.

Vaccination is far more cost-effective than treatment, ranging from KSh 800–1,500 per animal compared to KSh 4,000–5,000 for treatment. Director of Veterinary Services Dr. Philip Biama and Head of Disease Control Mr. Ditaco Ngoya stressed the importance of adopting sustainable, science-backed methods like vaccination. Stakeholders, including JUANCO representatives Dr. Odula Tom and Dr. Gabriel Turasia, and Silcore Group’s Mr. Julius Talam, reassured farmers of continuous guidance on proper vaccination, early disease detection, and herd management.