BY S KWAGALA
The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries has declared quarantine measures in response to an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Kabowa, Lubaga Division, Kampala District.
The enforcement of the same was announced through a notice that read; “Movement of cattle, goats, sheep, pigs and their products and by-products from, to, through and within Kampala Capital City Authority, Kampala District is prohibited until further notice, Livestock markets, slaughter places, including butcheries, loading grounds and animals shows in the entire district is hereby closed with immediate effect,” wrote Dr. Anna Rose Ademun the Commissioner Animal Health.
Ademun also declared the closure of livestock markets, and slaughterhouses, including butcheries, loading grounds, and animal shows throughout the entire district with immediate effect.
In adherence to the Animal Diseases Act, Cap 38, local government administrators, enforcement personnel, and the public are urged to comply with these quarantine measures diligently.
These measures are to prevent further transmission and also protect the health and well-being of both animals and residents in Kampala District
Last month in February, the Cabinet approved a release of 10 billion shillings to purchase Foot and Mouth Disease vaccine for the highly affected districts. This is to be able to ease and lift quarantine.
The Ministry of Agriculture has imposed a quarantine on so far 32 districts across the country some of which are; Luwero, Gomba, Isingiro, Kazo, Kiruhura, and Sembabule among others where the disease has been detected in many herds.
Uganda has about 40 million livestock including 16 million goats, 15 million heads of cattle, 5.6 million sheep, and 5 million swine.