Govt lifts livestock quarantine in Kazo

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Farmers, traders and other livestock sector stakeholders in Kazo district have reason to smile and look at the future with optimism. 

This follows the Government lifting the animal movement quarantine imposed on the district over a year ago to stop the spread of foot and mouth disease (FMD).

As of March 13, the agriculture ministry (MAAIF) has lifted all the quarantine restrictions on animal movements in the district, according to district chief administrative officer (CAO) Hajji Badru Mayanja.

The development comes after a successful animal vaccination drive and the implementation of necessary health measures to combat FMD, he added.

The restrictions had prohibited the movement of cattle, goats, sheep, and their products from, to, through, and within Kazo district since January 2024.

While announcing the lifting of the quarantine during a stakeholders’ meeting on March 13, 2025, the CAO said the district had conducted a comprehensive vaccination campaign, achieving over 95.9% coverage.

Thereafter, the district leaders submitted a report to MAAIF, requesting the reopening of animal markets.

During the quarantine period, farmers and traders had cried out to the Government to reopen the markets, saying they had lost their means of survival.

Livestock production is the main economic activity for Kazo district and the quarantine is said to have adversely affected the district’s local revenue generation efforts.

Mayanja expressed gratitude to the production department and all district leaders for their diligent efforts in fighting FMD.

He urged the team to maintain public awareness and security, especially since some surrounding districts have not yet completed their vaccination campaigns.

Speaking at the event at the district head offices, Zephline Tumwesigye, the district production officer, assured the public that the department would enforce strict monitoring of the sector to oversee animal movements from outside to prevent any resurgence of FMD in the district.

Vigilant

LC5 Chairperson Samuel Mugisha Katugunda lauded the production department for doing well, but called for vigilance and co-ordinated efforts to prevent a future outbreak. This is more so as the neighbouring districts are not yet free from the disease, he added.

Meanwhile, the district leaders said they would soon release detailed guidelines on the reopening and management of animal markets. The measures will aim to ensure safe animal movements and prevent the spread of FMD from the neighbouring districts, they said.