Authorities in Kazo District have officially declared an outbreak of Anthrax in Mirama village, Kazo sub-county, raising significant concerns among individuals dependent on the sale of animals and animal products for their livelihoods. John Baptist Asiimwe, the district production officer, confirmed that out of the seven samples sent to Entebbe for testing, four returned positive for the Anthrax virus.
In response to the outbreak, Asiimwe outlined a series of measures aimed at containing the spread of the disease. These include the mandatory registration of all meat handlers in the district, requiring them to possess health certificates before handling meat. Additionally, the enforcement of licenses issued by the Ministry of Animal Husbandry for cattle traders involved in buying and selling animals within the district was emphasized. The district will also conduct ring vaccination of all suspected animal species.
Coordinating with ministry officials, Asiimwe assured the public that efforts are underway to secure vaccines for the comprehensive vaccination of all animals in the district. Rev. Mugisha Katugunda, the District Chairperson, stressed the importance of public awareness about Anthrax disease and warned against the consumption of meat from deceased animals as a preventive measure.
Kazo District now joins Ibanda, Mbarara, and Kiruhura as regions affected by Anthrax, leading to the implementation of quarantine measures to curb its spread. This Anthrax outbreak coincides with the ongoing struggle in the cattle corridor to contain Foot and Mouth disease, prompting over five districts to impose quarantine measures to control its transmission.
Anthrax is a zoonotic disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, a spore-like bacterium producing potent toxins harmful to both animals and humans. While ruminants may succumb rapidly with minimal signs, human symptoms typically begin with a flu-like illness and raised boil-like lesions on the skin.
