Sheema lifts two-month livestock lockdown after anthrax outbreak
The outbreak was linked to the consumption of meat from a cow suspected to have died from anthrax. Several other people were hospitalised following the incident.
Sheema District Veterinary Officer, Dr Joseph Amanya. (Photo by Bruno Mugizi)
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Sheema district has started reopening livestock markets and easing restrictions on animal movement after an anthrax outbreak killed six people and 35 cattle in the district.
The restrictions were imposed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries following an outbreak first reported in Nshungyezi and neighbouring areas of Kashozi division, Sheema municipality, in July this year.
The outbreak was linked to the consumption of meat from a cow suspected to have died from anthrax. Several other people were hospitalised following the incident.
According to Sheema district veterinary officer Dr Joseph Amanya, 35 cattle have died from anthrax across the district, with the most recent death recorded on September 6, 2026.
Amanya said Kashozi division, where the outbreak originated, remains the most affected area.
Deaths have also been recorded in Kagango division, Sheema Central division, Kigarama subcounty, Masheruka town council, Rugarama subcounty and Kasaana subcounty.
“Anthrax does not give a chance for recovery. Affected livestock usually die suddenly,” Amanya said.
He warned farmers against opening or consuming meat from animals that die suddenly, saying this could expose people to the disease.
“Once an animal is suspected to have died from anthrax, people should not open it, skin it or consume its meat. They should immediately report to veterinary authorities,” Amanya said.
Amanya said authorities have intensified vaccination and surveillance to control the spread of the disease.
He said 35,000 cattle have so far been vaccinated against anthrax, representing about 80% coverage.
“The vaccination exercise has helped us reduce the risk of further spread, but we still need farmers to vaccinate the remaining animals,” Amanya said.
The vaccination campaign has been accompanied by community sensitisation and tighter veterinary controls.
Amanya said the easing of restrictions should not be interpreted as an end to the disease threat.
“Reopening the markets does not mean that anthrax is completely over.
We are easing the restrictions because the situation has improved, but the control measures must continue,” he said.
Markets reopen under strict conditions
He said only livestock vaccinated against anthrax would be allowed into the markets.
LC1 chairpersons have also been directed to release only vaccinated animals for sale, while movement of livestock into and out of the district must comply with veterinary documentation requirements, including proof of anthrax vaccination.
Roadside roasting of meat remains banned to prevent people from consuming meat that has not been inspected.
“We want livestock markets to operate, but they must operate safely. No trader should bring an animal into the market without proof of vaccination and the required veterinary documentation,” Amanya said.
The quarantine followed a directive issued by the Commissioner for Animal Production and Health, Dr Anna Rose Ademun, on July 20, 2026.
The directive ordered the suspension of the movement of cattle, goats, sheep, pigs and their meat within, into and out of Sheema District until further notice.
It also ordered the closure of slaughter facilities, including slaughter slabs and butcheries, to minimise the risk of further transmission.
The easing of the restrictions follows a district task force meeting held on September 14 at the district headquarters to review the quarantine measures.
Authorities have urged residents to avoid eating meat from animals that die suddenly and to report suspected anthrax cases to veterinary officers.
“We want to caution the community against eating meat from animals that die suddenly. Such animals should be reported to veterinary officers for proper assessment and disposal,” Amanya said.