A red alert has been issued following the outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease in parts of Abogeta and Mitunguu in Imenti South. The government has imposed a quarantine notice banning the movement of animals in and out of the area until the disease is contained.

Isuuing the ban, Imenti South district veterinary officer Stanely Itonga said more than 50,000 heads of livestock in the area are at risk of contracting the disease.

"The restriction of animal movement aims at curbing spread of disease to other areas," he said.He said 20 animals have so far been affected by the disease which started in a farm of six cows.

The ban comes after the results of tests done at the Foot and Mouth Laboratory in Embakasi were found to have type A of the disease.Itonga said a ring vaccination program will be launched from January 14 to protect animals from contracting and spreading the deadly disease.