Livestock farmers in the districts that have been hit by the deadly foot and mouth disease (FMD) and others in high-risk areas are to receive free vaccines from the government.

According to the state minister for animal industry, Lt Col Bright Rwamirama, the government has procured 2.4 million doses of the FMD vaccine for distribution across the county.

“We have planned to administer the vaccine strategically in affected areas, high-risk areas, and transit routes. FMD vaccine is procured by the ministry of agriculture and provided to the farmers through the district veterinary officers. FMD vaccine is free,” Rwamirama said during a press conference at the Uganda Media Centre on Tuesday.

FMD broke out early this year in areas of Western Uganda and has affected beef supply because of the quarantine imposed in various districts, resulting in the spontaneous increase in prices from sh12,000 to sh15,000 a kilogram.

The disease that affects cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs among other domestic animals is viral. In Uganda, the livestock population stands at 14.8 million head of cattle, 16 million goats, 5.4 million sheep, and 5 million pigs.

FMD also affects the related cloven (two) hooved wild animals like buffaloes, antelopes, and wild pigs.

FMD control is complex and needs a lot of resources; human, structural, consumables, and financial to control the disease, according to Rwamirama.

He said animal products must be appropriately packaged to avoid spillage.

“Milk shall be transported in cans to the milk bulking centres ensuring spillage,” Rwamirama said.