Gulu District’s veterinary department has verified an outbreak of black quarter, a serious bacterial illness affecting livestock.
Initially reported by farmers and local leaders in Patalira, Kal, and Pawel Angany villages, Patiko Sub-County, over a dozen animals exhibited symptoms.
Black quarter, also known as black leg disease, is a highly fatal bacterial illness affecting cattle and sheep. Symptoms include high fever, lameness, and swelling in various body regions.
Alfred Opiyo, Gulu District’s Veterinary Officer, confirmed positive test results for black quarter from samples collected from suspected infected cattle.
Opiyo mentioned the difficulty in treating the disease due to its acute nature but emphasized the availability of an effective vaccine for preventive measures.
He warned against consuming infected animals’ carcasses, whether alive or dead, to mitigate further spread.
Despite urging farmers to vaccinate their cattle, Patrick Komakech, the Patiko LCIII Chairperson, called for government intervention to provide free vaccines.
Christopher Opiyo Ateker, Gulu District Chairperson, assured community sensitization efforts and pledged to inform the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries promptly.
Patiko Sub-County, with 8,956 cattle, is particularly affected, with reports indicating between 150 to 200 infected animals.
Additionally, the Gulu District Veterinary Department plans to commence mass vaccination against rabies for dogs and cats following the receipt of 5,000 doses of rabies vaccines from MAAIF.
