Kazo district, faced with the challenge of containing a new wave of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), recently introduced a series of measures aimed at curbing the spread of this contagious livestock disease. The Kazo FMD task force, in a bid to strike a balance between disease control and economic considerations, decided to relax some of the strict quarantine restrictions that were initially imposed on December 21, 2023.
The initial move involved a total animal quarantine across the district, restricting all animal movements and slaughter for a 14-day period. This quarantine, which expired on January 4, was a response to the emergence of a new wave of FMD. Livestock markets, however, remain closed for an additional 14 days, underscoring the cautious approach taken by authorities.
One significant change in the revised measures is the permission granted to farmers to sell their animals on the farms. John Baptist Asiimwe, the Kazo district production officer, presented these measures during a stakeholder meeting at the district head offices on Friday, January 5, 2024. The intention behind this adjustment is to allow farmers to generate income for their families, particularly to meet the upcoming school term expenses and address basic household needs.
To implement the new measure effectively, farmers are required to set up footbaths at the gates of their farms, and all loading of sold animals must occur at the farm itself. Captain Yahaya Kakooza, the Kazo Resident District Commissioner, emphasized that only outgoing animals sold by farmers qualify under the relaxed measures, with a prohibition on bringing in new animals.
Despite the easing of some restrictions, certain areas, specifically Kiguma in Burunga sub-county and Kijuma in Rwemikoma sub-county, will remain under total quarantine due to the presence of many new FMD cases. The reviewed measures, as per officials, carefully consider the gains made during the quarantine period, aiming to both curtail the disease’s spread and enable farmers to earn a living, considering the significant role cattle play in the livelihoods of many Kazo residents.
However, challenges have surfaced during the implementation of these measures. John Baptist Asiimwe highlighted “interference by political leaders” as one such obstacle faced by the task force. Asiimwe provided a status update, noting that the current FMD wave was initially reported in Mugore in Rwemikoma sub-county. Although ring vaccination and sensitization efforts have been carried out, some areas, such as Kijuma Burunga sub-county, still have animals showing signs of FMD.
To prevent further spread, the district has implemented biosafety footbaths on roads in affected areas. Nonetheless, Asiimwe expressed concerns about the lack of security personnel and political interference hampering enforcement efforts.
Beyond Kazo, neighboring districts such as Kiruhura, Sembabule, and Lyantonde are also grappling with FMD, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts in the region. Kazo LC5 chairperson Samuel Katugunda acknowledged the relaxation of quarantine restrictions but stressed that more needs to be done to eradicate the disease fully.
Katugunda criticized some LC chairpersons for allegedly issuing cattle movement permits to traders during the quarantine period. Moreover, he accused traders of bringing sick animals into the district, vowing to take legal action against those undermining the district’s efforts to contain FMD.
David Kananura, the Kazo district chairperson of livestock traders, expressed gratitude for the leaders’ quick intervention but noted that enforcement was lacking during the quarantine period. Sam Aine of Rwemikoma sub-county raised concerns about a loading site in Mugore operating at night despite the ban on animal movements.
