July 16, 2026

 

Kakamega County, Kenya, issues alert over potential ASF outbreak

 

 

The Kakamega County government in Kenya, has issued an alert over a possible outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) in Shinyalu and Ikolomani subcounties.

 

The alert follows routine disease surveillance reports that revealed the deaths of large numbers of pigs of different ages and sexes.

 

"Preliminary assessments by veterinary officers indicate the disease may be African swine fever, based on the signs presented by the affected animals," said Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Co-operatives executive Mophat Mandela.

 

"The Kakamega County Government wishes to notify pig farmers, traders, transporters, pork consumers and the general public of a suspected outbreak of African swine fever in Shinyalu and Ikolomani subcounties," he said.

 

Farmers, traders, and members of the public have been advised to strictly observe farm biosecurity measures by confining pigs in secure housing, avoiding unnecessary movement of pigs between farms, markets, and slaughter facilities.

 

They have also been urged to ensure feed and water storage are free from contamination and avoiding consumption of pork that has not been inspected and approved by veterinary and public health authorities.

 

The public has also been cautioned against slaughtering, selling, transporting, or consuming pork from sick pigs or pigs that die from unknown causes.

 

Farmers have further been advised to dispose of dead pigs properly by burying the carcases under the guidance of veterinary officers and to fully co-operate with disease control measures that may be introduced by the veterinary authorities.

 

Mandela said the county government had intensified disease surveillance and farmer sensitisation efforts in the affected areas.

 

"Our veterinary officers are collecting samples for laboratory testing to confirm the disease. Further control measures, including movement restrictions and quarantine, may be implemented where necessary to prevent further spread," Mandela said.

 

"We're urging all stakeholders to remain vigilant and work closely with the veterinary authorities to safeguard the county's pig industry and the livelihoods it supports," he added.

 

- The Star