The National Executive Committee of KVA appreciates the candidates who expressed interest to represent KVA in the VMD Council. Vetting and evaluation of the candidates which is now complete was both exciting and NEC did an enormous undertaking considering all the candidates.
Notice is hereby given to the general public that the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife has initiated the Law Review Process of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, 2013 (No. 47 of 2013), and development of a draft Bill in light of the new Wildlife Policy 2020. The Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, 2013 is available online at: http://kenyalaw.org/kl/fileadmin/pdfdownloads/Acts/WildlifeConservationandMan-
agement%20Act2013.pdf
This post originally appeared on the Ministry of Tourism & Wildlife website available here
The Kenya Veterinary Association is a membership organization whose main mandate is the welfare of its members. Over the year this core mandate has been overlooked leading to apathy and low member recruitment numbers. While this was happening, each successive NEC team always promised to do more to improve the welfare of KVA members but now we believe it is time to put those words in action. The current Membership, Mentorship and Member Welfare subcommittee is pursuing products and services that bring tangible benefits to the members. In addition, the subcommittee will aggressively pursue welfare issues and/or complaints to seek remedy on behalf of its members.
Some of the products/services that are being rolled out by the subcommittee include;
As in true in most economies without universal Health care coverage, the cost of seeking medical services in Kenya is exorbitant and our members are not necessarily spared. This coupled with the risky working conditions that veterinary professionals experience makes a medical insurance cover a priority for our members. The occupational risk not only leads to high medical bills but tragedies that claim the lives of our members, year in year out. Instead of settling for the culture of fundraising to cover funeral expenses and other related costs, a Last Respect Cover allows our departed members to be given a respectful send-off without leaving their loved ones deep in debt. We are vetting insurance packages in the market for quality and affordability and we shall soon unveil the best proposal for our members. We are also cognizant of the fact that not all members can afford these services and we are working on a campaign that will enable most of us to be covered. More details are highlighted below.
Chronic unemployment is one of the biggest issues facing our members (especially fresh graduates). The employment market in Kenya is such that most job seekers do not come across job openings unless they know someone close to the opportunity. The same scenario is true for most employers who are forced to look for referrals from their friends or colleagues. An employment desk that would collate and store relevant information from our members, with a special focus on qualifications, experience and areas of interest/experience/specialty, while engaging potential employers to have KVA as their first port of call whenever a human resource need arises would be a good step to assist our members while keeping them engaged in the association as well as providing our partners with an easy hiring process.
In addition to providing members with employment opportunities, this desk will also link them with academic opportunities as they arise. Over time, after collation of sufficient data and having seen how the pilot project runs, this desk would be fully domiciled in a portal where the interaction between members and potential employers will not need the secretariat staff to play intermediary.
The membership database created will also be used to send personalized wishes to members on their birthdays. In addition, we will encourage members to share with us their achievements for us to toast them personally or with the profession depending on the individual member’s wishes.
Consistent opportunity partners will be celebrated with certificates and recognition awards while highlighting them in our publications and social media.
One of our core mandates should be to help final year Vet students, fresh graduates, job seekers choose a career path through personalized career events. To revamp our career events to make them more meaningful, we shall first do a survey of the finalists to come up with groups based on their career interest. We shall then hold this event in one venue, but each career group will have different speakers who will be our members in that specific career. After the event, we shall assign mentors as per the needs.
We are also planning to hold individual job interview rehearsals and preparations for candidates. This service will be available for members who need to be helped prepare for an interview.
Even as the Membership, Mentorship & Member Welfare Subcommittee works on these products, the challenge is increasingly clear-some of our members will not be able to access them due to financial challenges. In the true African spirit, the association is calling upon members to stand with disadvantaged members unable to access basic services such medical insurance, school fees among others.
The membership subcommittee will conduct a questionnaire gathering details of disadvantaged members with a view of settling on the most pressing and genuine cases. We shall thereafter send out a call for members willing to touch these vet’s life with the intention of linking them up for support.
Vets who “adopt” costs that were to be borne by other members in need will get special bracelets, lapel pins and buttons celebrating them with the campaign’s slogan; “Touch a Life: Vet with a Difference.” Non-veterinary professionals will have a separate, “Touch a Life: Honorary Vet with a Difference.”
In addition, with the individual member’s permission, we shall highlight and celebrate these members in our Annual General Meetings and various bulletins.
The Kenya Livestock Finance Trust was established by the Kenya Veterinary Association to take advantage of the European Union funding meant to assist veterinarians after the sector was privatized. To date, all the trustees are appointed by KVA. It has evolved into offering these credit facilities to other players in the livestock value chain (including farmers, paraprofessionals, agrovets etc.). The interest rate set for Vets is 15% while that of other stakeholders is 18%. The maximum loan limit is 1.2M. The loans can be accessed through use of group savings (such as KVA branches or self-help groups) or as individual entities through submission of quotations whereby KLIFT engages and pays the supplier directly.
In addition, one can use a title deed, which must be certified at the Lands Registry. No further costs or guarantors are required. To improve their services, the trust is chasing funding from the USAID’s Feed the Future Project and New KCC among other partners
We are determined to make sure KVA works for the members and we are counting on you to help us deliver.
This article was authored by:
Dr Kelvin Osore (Chairperson – Membership, Mentorship and Member committee)
In 2019, several government and non-governmental organizations partnered to link efforts in disease reduction in domestic animals in the Samburu region. In 23 days, over 80 people assisted in the vaccination of 2,642 animals against deadly rabies and distemper viruses across a region spanning over 10,000 kilometers squared. Over 1,200 households benefited from the project to protect their families and the wildlife living in their communities’ against the spread of these diseases.
Zoonotic diseases pose critical risk to human populations in both rural and urban environments. Infectious disease poses a critical extinction risk to several endangered wild carnivores. While northern Kenya was not selected as a priority region for the Government of Kenya in the first phase of a National Rabies Elimination Strategy, the Samburu County Department of Veterinary Services has a plan of vaccinating 5000 dogs annually and together with its partners, recognize the growing concern over disease risks in domestic dog, human and wildlife populations in the County. In previous years, several campaigns were randomly led by organisations working on behalf of or in collaboration with the County, but this is the first year that partnerships with private vets and conservation organisations linked to carry out joint campaigns aimed at filling gaps in vaccinations on a County range scale. Ongoing awareness drives and cross sectional sampling of domestic dogs will continue to evaluate the impact of the campaigns in controlling the spread of rabies and canine distemper in this region. This project can act as a model in other regions to eradicate the risk of uncontrolled spread of rabies and distemper by domestic animals.
Kenya’s government adopted the “National Rabies Elimination Strategy 2014-2030” to eliminate rabies within its borders by 2030. Rabies is a viral illness affecting the central nervous system and is one of the world’s most threatening zoonotic diseases. Rural populations, especially children below 15
years, are at greatest risk of rabies exposure, with 98% of human rabies transmitted by dog bites. An estimated 2,000 human deaths due to rabies occur annually in Kenya [1]. Elimination of rabies is achievable through mass dog vaccination and awareness campaigns [2]. Annual regional vaccination of 70% of the domestic dog population can essentially wipe out the rabies risk to humans and wildlife in five years.
While decreasing risk of human rabies, the vaccination of domestic dogs also reduces the risks to wildlife and other domestic stock. Although little research has been carried out on the role of wild carnivores in the sustenance and spread of rabies and distemper, observational reports (unpublished)
indicate that cases of dog bites are observed around wildlife habitats. Research indicates that the presence of rabies and distemper in domestic dog populations poses a serious threat to wild carnivores such as the critically endangered wild dogs [3]. Distemper outbreaks have led to rapid declines in wild dog numbers between 2017 and 2019. Many other wild carnivores are also impacted by rabies as well as by canine and feline distemper. Annual vaccination drives in Laikipia through the Laikipia Rabies Vaccination Campaign have been encouraging and inspired partners/conservationists/vets across the Ewaso Nyiro River to embark on vaccinations in Samburu County to work towards ensuring connectivity of vaccinations across county borders.
The Samburu County Government Veterinary Services has a target of vaccinating 5000 dogs against rabies annually, as outlined in the Samburu County Integrated Development Plan. It was found to be crucial that planned vaccination campaigns include distemper in addition to rabies. Through collaborating with various partners, a total of 2642 animals (mainly dogs) were vaccinated against both rabies and distemper between 2019 and 2020. This was initiated following a Kenya Veterinary Association (Wildlife Branch) workshop bringing stakeholders and partners together in July 2019.
The following table shows vaccination efforts to date between October 2019 and June 2020.
| Date | Conservancy/Location | Number of vaccinations |
| 24th & 25th October 2019 | Westgate & Kalama Conservancies | 330 |
| 17th, 18th, 19th January 2020 | Meibae Conservancy | 908 |
| 16th, 17th, 18th March 2020 | Westgate Conservancy | 437 |
| 27th & 28th May 2020 | Meibae Conservancy | 190 |
| 29th, 30th, 31st May 2020 | Wamba | 97 |
| 9th, 10th, 11th June 2020 | Sarara | 175 |
| 17th & 18th June 2020 | Archers Post/Lorubae | 173 |
| 19th, 20th, 21st June 2020 | Milgis | 132 |
| 24th & 25th June 2020 | Ol Malo (Laikipia) | 200 |
| TOTAL VACCINATIONS ADMINISTERED 2019-2020 | 2642 |
Details of each vaccination campaign and the vets involved is provided in the Appendices of the full report. In addition to vaccinating the animals, pamphlets and pledge cards were given to all animal owners on diseases and ways to improve dog welfare, along with annual vaccination certificates.
Note: On June 1st, 113 distemper vaccines and 150 rabies vaccines were donated to the Northern Kenya Veterinary Unit in Nanyuki for vaccinations around Nanyuki. On the 4th of June, 245 distemper vaccines and 200 rabies vaccines were donated to the KSPCA. All 3000 vaccines were donated by
partners.
The overall impact between 2019 and 2020 is as follows:
| A total of 2642 vaccinations administered |
2267 dogs vaccinated | 370 cats vaccinated |
| 5 donkeys vaccinated | Over 1210 households visited | 48 locations/settlements visited |
| 23 days of vaccinations across the landscape between Oct 2019 & June 2020 |
27 sterilizations in Meibae Conservancy in Jan 2020 |
49 participants gather at a workshop on dog management in 2019 |
“My dog is healthy and very active at night compared to before the vaccination,”
– Mariamu, Westgate
“The vaccinations have prevented diseases such as rabies and have reduced spread of rabies from dog to
dog and to carnivores like hyenas that cause so many deaths due to biting people all over,”
– Letoole, Westgate
My dog is a herder as well as my home guard at night,”
– Rentunai, Westgate
The main challenges experienced between October 2019 and June 2020 was initially flooding that took place in October. This was followed by locust invasions in January that led to Westgate vaccinations being postponed. From March onwards, Covid-19 led to delays in the vaccination efforts. All Covid-19 safety protocols were followed in March, May and June vaccination campaigns. Lastly, data collection procedures continued to be a challenge in most vaccination efforts.
We are very grateful to the following donors for their support in the vaccination work:
Coronaviruses (CoV) are a family of RNA (ribonucleic acid) viruses. They are called coronaviruses because the virus particle exhibits a characteristic ‘corona’ (crown) of spike proteins around its lipid envelope. CoV infections are common in animals and humans. Some strains of CoV are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted between animals and humans, but many strains are not zoonotic.
In humans, CoV can cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (caused by MERS-CoV), and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (caused by SARS-CoV). Detailed investigations have demonstrated that SARS-CoV was transmitted from civets to humans, and MERS-CoV from dromedary camels to humans.
In December 2019, human cases of pneumonia of unknown origin were reported in Wuhan City, Hubei Province of China (People’s Rep. of). A new CoV was identified as the causative agent by Chinese Authorities. Since then, human cases, most of them with travel history to Wuhan or Hubei region, have been reported by several provinces in China (People’s Rep. of) and by a number of other countries. For up to date information please consult the WHO website.
The CoV which causes COVID-19 has been designated as SARS-CoV-2 by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV); this is the scientific name. The virus may also be referred to as “the COVID-19 virus” or “the virus responsible for COVID-19”. COVID19 refers to the disease caused by the virus.
The predominant route of transmission of COVID-19 appears to be from human to human.
Current evidence suggests that the COVID-19 virus has an animal source. Ongoing investigations are important for identifying the animal source (including species involved) and establishing the potential role of an animal reservoir in this disease. Yet, to date, there is not enough scientific evidence to identify that source or to explain the route of transmission from an animal source to humans.
Genetic sequence data reveals that the COVID-19 virus is a close relative of other CoV found circulating in Rhinolophus bat (Horseshoe Bat) populations. There is the possibility that transmission to humans involved an intermediate host.
Priorities for research to investigate the animal source were discussed by the OIE informal advisory group on COVID-19 and were presented at the WHO Global Research and Innovation Forum (11-12 February 2020) by the President of the OIE Wildlife Working Group. The outcomes from the discussion of the OIE informal advisory group on COVID-19 can be found at the link.
Although there is uncertainty about the origin of the COVID-19 virus, in accordance with advice offered by the WHO, as a general precaution, when visiting live animal markets, wet markets or animal product markets, general hygiene measures should be applied. These include regular hand washing with soap and potable water after touching animals and animal products, as well as avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth, and avoiding contact with sick animals or spoiled animal products. Any contact with other animals possibly living in the market (e.g., stray cats and dogs, rodents, birds, bats) should be avoided. Precaution should be taken to avoid contact with animal waste or fluids on the soil or surfaces of shops and market facilities.
Standard recommendations issued by WHO to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose with the elbow when coughing and sneezing and avoiding close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing. As per general good food safety practices, raw meat, milk or animal organs should be handled with care, to avoid potential cross-contamination with uncooked foods. Meat from healthy livestock that is cooked thoroughly remains safe to eat. Further recommendations from WHO can be consulted here.
Based on currently available information, trade restrictions are not recommended.
The current spread of COVID-19 is a result of human to human transmission. To date, there is no evidence that companion animals can spread the disease. Therefore, there is no justification in taking measures against companion animals which may compromise their welfare.
The Veterinary Services of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China reported to OIE evidence that a dog had tested positive to the COVID-19 virus following close exposure to its owners who were sick with COVID-19 – see Immediate Notification (01/03/2020) and Follow-up report no.1 (09/03/2020). The test, conducted by real time PCR, showed the presence of genetic material from the COVID-19 virus. The dog was not showing any clinical signs of the disease.
There is no evidence that dogs play a role in the spread of this human disease or that they become sick. Further studies are needed to understand if and how different animals could be affected by COVID-19 virus. The OIE will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.
There is no evidence to support restrictions to movement or trade of companion animals.
There have not been any reports of companion or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19 and currently there is no evidence that they play a significant epidemiological role in this human disease. However, because animals and people can sometimes share diseases (known as zoonotic diseases), it is still recommended that people who are sick with COVID-19 limit contact with companion and other animals until more information is known about the virus.
When handling and caring for animals, basic hygiene measures should always be implemented. This includes hand washing before and after being around or handling animals, their food, or supplies, as well as avoiding kissing, licking or sharing food.
When possible, people who are sick or under medical attention for COVID-19 should avoid close contact with their pets and have another member of their household care for their animals. If they must look after their pet, they should maintain good hygiene practices and wear a face mask if possible.
Public Health and Veterinary Services should work together using a One Health approach to share information and conduct a risk assessment when a person with COVID-19 reports being in contact with companion or other animals.
If a decision is made as a result of a risk assessment to test a companion animal which has had close contact with a person/owner infected with COVID-19, it is recommended that RT-PCR be used to test oral, nasal and fecal/rectal samples.
While there is no evidence of a COVID-19 infection spreading from one animal to another, keeping animals that test positive for COVID-19 away from unexposed animals should be considered best practice.
The detection of COVID-19 virus in animals meets the criteria for reporting to the OIE through WAHIS, in accordance with the OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code as an emerging disease.
Therefore, any detection of the COVID-19 virus in an animal (including information about the species, diagnostic tests, and relevant epidemiological information) should be reported to the OIE.
It is important for Veterinary Authorities to remain informed and maintain close liaison with public health authorities and those responsible for wildlife, to ensure coherent and appropriate risk communication messages and risk management.
It is important that COVID-19 does not lead to inappropriate measures being taken against domestic or wild animals which might compromise their welfare and health or have a negative impact on biodiversity.
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