Authorities in Lakes state have imposed movement restrictions on livestock after reports of an outbreak of East Coast Fever, according to Awerial County Commissioner Deng Tong.

East coast fever is a fatal livestock disease spread by ticks. It can fever, enlarged lymph nodes, anorexia, nasal discharge, diarrhea and other symptoms.

“About month ago, we had serious of outbreak of East Coast Fever. It has even gone to the extent of causing communal fights because cows are moving randomly and some individuals wanted to protect their cows from those which are infected,” he said on Radio Miraya.  

He said the clashes among cattle herders resulted in three deaths. The official said the presence of hundreds of thousands of cattle makes it difficult to prevent movements of livestock.

However, Tong disclosed that the International Committee of the Red Cross is conducting a mass vaccination campaign against the disease and foot and mouth disease.