Farmers in Gomba, Ssembabule, Lyantonde, and Lwengo districts of the central region are grappling with an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), prompting authorities to impose stringent restrictions on the sale and movement of animals and their products. This development comes as Kyotera District, within the same cattle corridor, contends with an outbreak of anthrax, leading to human and animal fatalities.
Dr. Resty Bairana, the Gomba District veterinary officer, emphasized the importance of adhering to measures set by the district to contain the spread of FMD to unaffected areas. The quarantine measures include restrictions on the movement, sale, purchase, and slaughter of cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs, as well as related products like milk, butter, ghee, cow dung, and yogurt.
Gomba District has taken proactive steps to combat the outbreak, initiating a ring vaccination campaign in affected areas after receiving 3,000 doses from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries. The district has temporarily suspended operations at four livestock markets and closed all slaughter places, including butcheries, until the situation is under control.
In Lwengo District, authorities announced animal movement restrictions on December 27 due to suspected FMD and anthrax outbreaks in the sub-counties of Ndagwe and Kisekka. Dr. Samuel Mukuye, the Lwengo senior veterinary officer, highlighted the need for these restrictions to manage the diseases detected in specific villages.
Sembabule District has been battling FMD since December 2023, leading to temporary restrictions on cattle market operations and animal movement in certain sub-counties. Mr. Malik Mahabba, the Sembabule Chief Administrative Officer, announced quarantine measures on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries in affected areas.
The outbreak of FMD, characterized by fever and blister-like lesions, has led to a recurrence of total bans on animal movement and the sale of animal products in Central Uganda’s cattle corridor districts. The virus is highly infectious and primarily affects cloven-hoofed animals, spreading through contact with infected animals and their products.
Authorities have issued warnings against violating quarantine guidelines, with penalties for non-compliance. The restrictions aim to control and eliminate the disease rather than punish farmers, emphasized Ms. Harriet Nakamya, the Gomba Resident District Commissioner.
