The study objective was to provide baseline and reference data on status and use of acaricides based on type or active ingredients by individual farmers and in public cattle dip maintained by county governments. The survey was conducted through a cross-sectional study in three counties (Kilifi, Kajiado and Nakuru), based on livestock farming intensive (low, medium and high) respectively. A total of 72 farmers were sampled where Questionnaire and informal interview were used to collect data on acaricides use, grazing method, herd characteristics, production and marketing. Data obtained was stored in excel spread sheets coded and analyzed using Statistical Package for social Scientists (SPSS). Grazing systems were conventional grazing (31), zero grazing (10) and fenced pastures (41). Collapse of county governments maintained cattle dips was observed. Hence use of alternative methods by farmers; spray race (22) and mechanical (hand) spray (31). Chemicals used included TRIATIX (12), DUODIP (11), STELADONE (7) among others with majority of the farmers (32) spraying once a week. Water sources for use were tap (piped) water (8), Borehole (54), community dams (3), river water (4) and harvested rain water (1). Majority of farmers (43) used manual methods of milking while 29 farmers used automated machines. Nakuru had highest number of lactating cattle (1422) and milk production (22,480 litres), followed by Kajiado (247) with low milk production (371 litres) compared to production Kilifi production (1470 litres) herd (150). Milk was sold to KCC, Brookside and vendors with farmers adding little value (Yoghurt and Mala). In conclusion, extensive use of chemicals may accumulate in the ecosystem thus a public health problem with little productivity. Data forms basis for further research and policy formulation on acaricides use. Analysis of hydro-chemical parameters and acaricides in the water source is recommended to ascertain its suitability for Agricultural and domestic use.

Organophosphate acaricides are well known for their extensive use in livestock for the management of Ticks and Tick borne diseases. However, the intensive use of Chlorpyrifos causes environmental pollution due to their residues accumulation. The study was aimed at detection and quantification of Chlorpyrifos in soil, dip wash, spray race residues, milk and milk products from Kilifi, Nakuru and Kajiado Counties. A baseline survey was conducted through a crosssectional study using questionnaire, formal interview and personal observation to collect data and information on the use and type of acaricides. Thereafter soil, dip wash, spray race residues, milk and milk products from the farmers using acaricides containing Chlorpyrifos as the active compound were collected, analyzed and quantified for the presence of Chlorpyrifos using HPLC. Data obtained was stored in excel spread sheets coded and analyzed using Statistical Package for social Scientists (SPSS). Chemicals used for killing ticks included TRIATIX (12), DUODIP (11), and STELADONE (7) among others with majority of the farmers spraying once a week. Out of 11 samples collected from spray race and dip wash, 7 samples were positive for Chlorpyrifos. Nine (9) samples from the analyzed 27 samples of milk and milk products were Chlorpyrifos positive. Chlorpyrifos was also detected in 6 samples out of the 28 soil samples whereas 5 water samples from the 25 collected sample were positive of chlorpyrifos. Chlorpyrifos was not detected in milk and milk product from Kajiado County. However, the concentration of Chlorpyrifos ranged between 1.000±0.242 mgL -1 and 2.854±0.149 mgL -1 in Nakuru County and between 1.930±0.106 mgL -1 and 2.017±0.049 mgL -1 in Kilifi County. The positive soil samples were from Nakuru County with concentration ranges between 0.915±0.048 mgL -1 to 8.556±0.549 mgL -1 . The Nakuru water samples had chlorpyrifos concentration ranging between 0.888±0.180 mgL -1 to 1.870±0.0243 mgL -1 . The dip wash and spray race samples had a Chlorpyrifos ranges of 0.918±0.217 mgL -1 (Kajiado County) and 3.282±0.140 mgL -1 (Nakuru County). The study concludes that there is accumulation of Chlorpyrifos in soil, water, dip wash and spray race and milk and milk products beyond the acceptable limit set at 0 to 0.01 mg/kg body weight by WHO. The concentration of Chlorpyrifos in Nakuru County were found to be higher cozampared to Kilifi and Kajiado County. Surveillance, monitoring and regulation on the use of Chlorpyrifos in manufacturing acaricides is highly recommended.

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Organophosphate pesticides are used worldwide to control several pests and meet food demand. These chemicals harm non-target animals and people when misused. Thus, they are a health and environmental concern. The purpose of the systematic review was to synthesise the amount, breadth, and quality of evidence from empirical studies concerning the presence, type, and quantity of OPs in food products in Kenya. A systematic review was done by following the PRISMA protocol. For the identification of studies, the following databases were used: Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed. The study focused on peer-reviewed articles published between January 2001 and August 2022. Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria for the scoping review. The main methods used in detecting and quantifying organophosphates in the studies were High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Most studies (86.67%) reported significant levels of OPs in food products, exceeding the MRLs and the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADIs) set by the World Health Organization. Six of the studies (50%) reported the presence of OPs in plant products (vegetables, cereals, and fruits), while three (25%) found residues in animal products (milk and meat). The most notable OP compounds detected were chlorpyrifos, acephate, profenofos, diazinon, omethoate, and dimethoate. Most of the food samples in the reviewed studies presented contamination, making them a significant risk to human health due to bioaccumulation. Studies done in Kenya for the last 20 years continue to report high levels of organophosphate residues and their metabolites in food products, both from plant and animal origin. Although the residues are below MLRs in some samples, they can accumulate at higher levels in humans, becoming a severe health risk