Group photo of the workshop participants

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) organized a Refresher Training on the Kenya Animal Biosurveillance System (KABS) from 24 to 25 May 2023, in Kisumu. This training aims to enhance the capacity of frontline Animal Health Workers (AHWs) in Busia, Kakamega, and Bungoma counties, with a focus on improving the detection and response to priority zoonotic diseases, including anthrax. 

Anthrax is a zoonotic bacterial disease that primarily impacts herbivores but can also endanger humans, mammals, and sometimes birds. It is recognized as a significant global health concern in Kenya, with outbreaks occurring worldwide in ecosystems that support the survival of Bacillus anthracis spores. Syndromic surveillance in animals is instrumental in detecting zoonotic diseases like anthrax before they spread to humans. This approach, rooted in the One Health concept, effectively identifies early clusters of illnesses, enabling swift responses and reducing the socio-economic and health consequences of outbreaks.

Detecting and responding to disease outbreaks, thereby safeguarding public health

To strengthen Kenya's animal health syndromic surveillance, FAO has supported the development of the Kenya Livestock and Wildlife Syndromic Surveillance (KLWSS) system. Powered by the Kenya Animal Biosurveillance System (KABS) app, this real-time electronic surveillance system enhances the sensitivity of monitoring livestock and wildlife health in Kenya.

In alignment with this initiative, FAO conducted a refresher training on the KABS platform for frontline AHWs in Kakamega, Busia, and Bungoma counties. The participants included both private and public veterinary practitioners from the targeted counties, totaling 18 surveillance officers.

In the opening remarks, the representative of FAO, Rinah Wangila, affirmed that “FAO acknowledges the importance of building and strengthening capacity for early detection and response” and added that “surveillance officers and Private Animal Health Service Providers will receive extensive training on the practical utilization of the electronic data collection tool, known as KABS”. From the Directorate of Veterinary Services, Samuel Kahariri, emphazised the “need to enable AHWs to efficiently report diseases and streamline the disease reporting process. By leveraging the functionality of KABS, they will contribute to the timely and accurate reporting of disease events, facilitating swift response measures.”

This specialized training will enhance the skills and knowledge of surveillance officers, enabling them to promptly detect and respond to disease outbreaks, thereby safeguarding public health. The training will also focus on equipping surveillance officers and Private Animal Health Service Providers with comprehensive skills in utilizing the electronic data collection tool, KABS, to efficiently report diseases and streamline the reporting process.

The two-day training workshop will adopt an interactive and participatory approach, combining concise presentations and engaging fieldwork demonstrations to demonstrate the practical use of KABS. With this training, FAO remains committed to building and strengthening capacity for early detection and response to zoonotic diseases, with the ultimate goal of safeguarding the health and well-being of both animals and humans in Kenya.

For further information, please contact:

Joseph Othieno

National Communications Specialist

FAO Kenya

Email: [email protected]

Yanira Santana

Emergency Reporting and Outreach

FAO ECTAD Africa

Email : [email protected]