Kenya has introduced the Kenya Animal Biosurveillance System (KABS 2.0), a digital platform that collects animal disease reports and connects them to laboratory test results across all 47 counties in near‑real time.

Veterinary authorities will receive faster access to data needed to spot potential outbreaks and coordinate county‑level responses.

Dr Allan Azegele, Director of Veterinary Services, said the upgrade enhances digital reporting, data management, analytics and visualisation, delivering timely animal health intelligence for surveillance and response.

New biosafety guidelines focus on live bird markets

Alongside KABS 2.0, Kenya unveiled Biosafety and Biosecurity Guidelines for Live Bird Markets aimed at curbing avian influenza and other zoonoses throughout the poultry value chain.

The guidelines prescribe practical hygiene and biosecurity steps to prevent disease introduction and limit spread when infections are detected in markets, farms or during transport.

Potential benefits for farmers, traders and public health

Improved surveillance is expected to help poultry farmers and market traders reduce losses from disease outbreaks that can disrupt food production and livelihoods.

Dr Gideon Emukule, CDC Kenya Influenza Division Director, noted that early detection and control of animal disease threats protect both Kenyan communities and U.S. populations by lowering cross‑border health risks.

Implementation under Kenya‑US One Health cooperation

The system and market guidelines are part of Kenya’s One Health strategy, which integrates human, animal and environmental health efforts to identify threats at their source.

Technical and financial support for KABS 2.0 and the biosafety guidelines came from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reflecting broader Kenya‑U.S. collaboration on health security and preparedness.