In the arid landscapes of Hurri Hills, nestled within North Horr Constituency in Marsabit County, Kenya, a silent crisis is unfolding that threatens the very foundation of local livelihoods.
Pastoralists, who rely heavily on their livestock for survival, are grappling with a severe outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), a highly contagious viral illness that has led to an alarming 80% miscarriage rate among goats.
This devastating epidemic, persisting for over two months, underscores the vulnerabilities of border communities and the urgent need for enhanced veterinary interventions in remote regions.
The outbreak has sparked widespread alarm among herders, who have watched helplessly as their animals succumb to the disease’s debilitating effects.
Speaking to journalists, area Chief Bonaya Racha highlighted the gravity of the situation, attributing the spread to cross-border livestock trade.
“A large percentage of livestock in the region have been affected, a situation we attribute to some herders buying animals from the neighboring country of Ethiopia,” Chief Racha explained.
He emphasized that the disease’s persistence has resulted in massive reproductive losses, with miscarriages becoming a heartbreaking norm across herds.
Foot and Mouth Disease, caused by the aphthovirus from the Picornaviridae family, is one of the most economically damaging livestock ailments worldwide, affecting cloven-hoofed animals like goats, sheep, cattle, and pigs.
In goats, symptoms often begin subtly but escalate rapidly: initial fever is followed by painful blisters and erosions in the mouth, on the tongue, lips, teats, and between the hooves, leading to lameness and reluctance to eat or move.
While adult goats may exhibit mild or asymptomatic infections, the virus poses severe risks to young animals and pregnant ones, frequently causing high mortality in kids and abortions in does.
Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected animals, contaminated feed, equipment, or even airborne aerosols over short distances, making it particularly virulent in communal grazing areas like those in Marsabit.
The cross-border dimension adds a layer of complexity. Ethiopia, sharing a porous border with Kenya’s northern regions, has long been a source of livestock trade for pastoralists seeking to replenish their herds.
However, this informal commerce often bypasses quarantine protocols, facilitating the introduction of pathogens.
Chief Racha’s concerns echo historical patterns; similar FMD outbreaks have plagued Marsabit in the past, with reports dating back to 2015 when suspected cases in Hurri Hills prompted county veterinary responses.
More recently, in February 2025, FMD was documented in nearby wards like Central and Sagante/Jaldesa, contributing to livestock losses amid ongoing drought challenges.
The area’s vulnerability is compounded by recurring diseases, including Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia (CCPP) and Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), which weaken herds and amplify FMD’s impact.
The economic repercussions are profound for the nomadic communities of Hurri Hills, where goats are not just assets but lifelines—providing milk, meat, and income through sales. With 80% of pregnancies ending in miscarriage, herders face immediate food insecurity and long-term herd depletion.
Studies in endemic regions like Kenya show that FMD outbreaks can reduce fertility performance, increase mastitis risks, and necessitate culling, leading to substantial financial losses.
In densely populated smallholder areas, risk factors such as mixed-species herding and limited biosecurity exacerbate spread, as evidenced by epidemiological research in Kenyan pastoral systems.
For families in Marsabit, this translates to disrupted trade, diminished household nutrition, and heightened poverty in an already harsh environment marked by climate variability and resource scarcity.
Compounding the crisis is the apparent lack of governmental support. Chief Racha confirmed that animals in the region have not received vaccinations from the Marsabit County Government, leaving herds exposed despite available preventive measures.
Vaccination is a cornerstone of FMD control, yet access remains uneven in remote areas like Hurri Hills, where logistical challenges hinder delivery.
Local stories from pastoralists, such as those shared by Oxfam initiatives, recount past devastations where entire herds were wiped out before interventions arrived.
This outbreak follows a pattern of livestock health emergencies in northern Kenya, with multiple counties including Garissa and Isiolo battling similar catastrophic diseases as recently as April 2025.
As the disease lingers, calls for action are intensifying. Pastoralists urge swift vaccination campaigns, border surveillance, and community education on biosecurity to curb further losses.
Experts emphasize the need for integrated strategies, including early warning systems and cross-border collaborations with Ethiopia, to safeguard these vital ecosystems.
Without immediate intervention, the ripple effects could extend beyond Hurri Hills, threatening Kenya’s broader livestock sector and the food security of vulnerable populations.
This unfolding tragedy in Marsabit serves as a stark reminder of the interconnected challenges facing pastoral communities: disease, climate change, and inadequate infrastructure.
As herders like those in Hurri Hills fight to preserve their way of life, the hope is that timely support will turn the tide against this relentless foe.
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