Turkana – The Kenya Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Eradication Council (KENTTEC), in collaboration with the Turkana County Government, has initiated a campaign to control tsetse flies and trypanosomiasis. This preventive measure is particularly crucial due to the risk of these insects migrating from Uganda to Kenya.
According to Kenya News Agency, The initiative, led by Isaiah Ndaburu Kiteto, Director for Surveillance and Control at KENTTEC, along with the County Directorate of Veterinary Services, responds to concerns raised by residents of Turkana West and Loima sub-counties who have been significantly affected by tsetse flies. The team is engaged in screening livestock for trypanosomiasis (Nagana), treating positive cases, and deploying traps in areas like Lokiriama, Urum, Oropoi, and Natiira to monitor the presence of tsetse flies.
The control method involves livestock spraying, with supplies provided by both the Turkana County Government and KENTTEC. Kiteto encouraged other counties facing similar challenges to collaborate with KENTTEC and other partners for effective control initiatives.
Dr. Ezekiel Ekuwam, the county officer for Livestock Development, praised the strategic partnership with KENTTEC, LOKADO, and USAID NAWIRI, which he believes will positively impact communities affected by tsetse and trypanosomiasis. He thanked the supporters and reaffirmed the County Government’s commitment to involving more animal stakeholders in disease surveillance and control.
Dr. Benson Longor, the County Director for Veterinary Services, noted that the intervention targets tsetse and trypanosomiasis control in specific sub-counties of Turkana, including Lokiriama, Loima, Turkana West, and Lokichoggio. These areas were chosen due to their proximity to Uganda’s Kidepo Valley, a breeding ground for tsetse flies.
Dr. Longor emphasized the importance of pooling resources for this initiative to enhance health measures, encourage community-based reporting, and control zoonotic diseases along international borders.