Western Kenya Grain Zone

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Typical Problems In This Area

1. At certain times of year, because of high temperature and humidity, worm eggs develop to the infectious stages very quickly, so problems can build up rapidly.

2. Because of the relatively cool conditions at this altitude, pasture can remain infective for long periods after it has been last grazed.

3. There are many liver fluke transmission sites.

Features Of The Area That Can Help In Control

1. Farms are often larger than in other areas, so it can be possible for farmers to manage rotational systems.

2. Farms in this area tend to be well developed and have good grazing management.

3. Cattle are often present in numbers which can permit alternate grazing systems to be effective.

Control Methods That May Be Useful

· Frequent observation of individual animals and treating only clinical cases.

· A Dose & Move system where all animals in the flock/herd are treated and moved onto clean ground.

· Fresh grass grown after a crop has been harvested will be clean. A rotation of cropping and grazing areas can provide constant availability of clean grass (Cropping Rotation).

· Since rates of infection are seasonal, treatments can be targeted at times of year when there are peaks of infection.