STUDENTS: KATHLEEN SARY & VIVIAN FAN

Kenya is full of startling contradictions. The country stretches across the equator, yet Kenya’s mountains are topped with snow. Its coast is lined with luxury resorts, yet the country is entrenched in poverty. And, on a local level, although many farmers’ lives rely on pig farming, pigs often carry deadly diseases.

Taenia solium, a pork tapeworm, is an all-too-common problem in Kenya. This tapeworm is transmitted between pigs and humans in a dangerous and continuous cycle. It can cause epilepsy as well as other debilitating conditions, and it can even lead to death. Infection, however, can be prevented with proper education about pig rearing.

This summer, Kathleen and Vivian will be traveling to the Busia and Kakamega districts of western Kenya to work on a project led by Dr. Cate Dewey (OVC) to help reduce the prevalence of Taenia solium and improve swine health and productivity in the region. During their time in Kenya the students will help present workshops on pig management to local veterinarians, farmers, nurses, pig butchers, social workers, elementary schools and adult education specialists. In addition to improving pig health and reducing the spread of parasites like Taenia solium, these workshops will also show farmers how to weigh and measure their pigs so that they can price their livestock more accurately.