Initiating a Training Network and Capacity Building to Improve Control of Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Kenya and Ethiopia

Livestock production contributes significantly to the national agricultural GDP of Kenya and Ethiopia, but is under constant threat of diseases, poor genetic potential and husbandry. Among the diseases, Foot-and-Mouth disease (FMD) causes an enormous economic loss. The first focus area of the project will be to capacitate the partner institutions as well as other stakeholders, e.g. farmers and veterinarians, in education on FMD prevention and/or control. The second focus area of the project will be leveraging the labs through local production of reagents, geographical information systems and equipment. This will be done by training local technicians, hence, realizing an independent, sustainable education and research culture The upgraded laboratory facilities will be used for training of personnel and provide tools, both aiding to support better the disease control strategy designed by the two countries.