US, Kenya launch new tools to strengthen zoonotic disease prevention

The United States and Kenya have launched new biosecurity and animal disease surveillance tools to strengthen the country’s ability to prevent, detect and respond to zoonotic disease threats.

The initiatives, launched on Thursday through a partnership involving the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Government of Kenya, include the Biosafety and Biosecurity Guidelines for Live Bird Markets and the upgraded Kenya Animal Biosurveillance System (KABS 2.0).

The United States provided technical and financial support for both initiatives, which are designed to improve early detection and reduce the risk of disease transmission between animals and people.

The launch comes amid continued concerns over avian influenza and other emerging infectious diseases, highlighting the importance of identifying health threats early and controlling them at their source.

“Detecting disease threats early and controlling them at their source is one of our strongest defenses against the next public health emergency,” said Dr Gideon Emukule, CDC Kenya Influenza Division Director.

“This work protects people and livelihoods in Kenya while also making Americans safer by reducing the risk of emerging health threats spreading across borders,” he said.

KABS 2.0 enables near-real-time collection and reporting of animal disease data across all 47 counties. The system also integrates laboratory testing results, allowing authorities to identify potential threats and support faster responses.

The live bird market guidelines provide practical measures to reduce the introduction and spread of avian influenza and other infectious diseases across the poultry value chain, including farms, transportation and live bird markets.

Dr Allan Azegele, Director of Veterinary Services, said the upgraded surveillance system would improve digital disease reporting, data management, analytics, visualisation and the generation of timely animal health intelligence.

“The upgraded KABS 2.0 system provides enhanced capabilities for digital disease reporting, data management, analytics, visualization and generating timely animal health intelligence to support disease surveillance and response at national and county levels,” Azegele said.

He described the launch as an important milestone in Kenya’s efforts to strengthen animal disease surveillance, preparedness and response through digital technologies.

The two initiatives support Kenya’s One Health approach, which recognises the close links between human, animal and environmental health.

Their implementation is expected to strengthen early warning systems, support faster responses and help contain disease threats before they spread.

The launch is part of broader US-Kenya cooperation in 2026 aimed at advancing innovation, strengthening health security and protecting communities and livelihoods.

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