Speech by the Minister for Livestock Development Hon. Dr Mohammed Abdi Kuti, MP, during the Official Opening of the Kenya Veterinary Association Scientific Conference

Ladies and Gentlemen
I am pleased to be with you here today to preside over the opening ceremony of the 43rd Scientific Conference of the Kenya Veterinary Association an important role of continuing professional education which is recognized by my ministry. This scientific conference provides a unique opportunity for the public and the private sector veterinarians to exchange ideas on how to manage the animal resource industry and especially the livestock sub-sector through innovative techniques.

Before I proceed, I need to recognize the role played by the Kenya Veterinary Association in emergency services to livestock farmers through joint animal health interventions. The association has done contract vaccinations with my ministry and free animal health camps and extension programs countrywide. Apart from the farmer education, the association has supported major disease control campaigns against major trans-boundary diseases such as Foot and Mouth disease, Anthrax, Rabies and Lumpy Skin Disease. This effort is appreciated and we thank all partners who are assisting in all forms of development in this country. It is government policy to work closely with private sector. The Kenya Veterinary Association with its mandate on Veterinary information exchange must ensure that veterinarians are equipped with current scientific information for them to effectively serve the Kenyan public in animal health and production.

Ladies and Gentlemen: The theme of this years scientific conference is “One Health = Human Health + Animal Health” supported by the World Veterinary Day theme of “Veterinarians and Livestock farmers, a winning partnership”, underlines the importance of livestock and health sectors collaborating with the public to ensure effective management of animal production and health while safeguarding food safety.

The convergence of people, animals and our environment has created a new dynamic in which the health of each group is inextricably interconnected. The challenges associated with this dynamic are demanding, profound and unprecedented.

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