News
Foot and mouth disease hits Nakasongola
The quarantine was imposed after more than 50 animals died and about 1,300 others were found infected with the disease in several parts of Nakasongola.
According to the Nakasongola District veterinary officer, Samuel Eswaggu, the most affected areas include; Wabinyonyi, Kakooge, Nakitoma, Nabiswera and Lwampanga. (File photo)
By: Frederick Kiwanuka, Journalist @New Vision
________________
Foot and mouth disease has hit the central Ugandan district of Nakasongola, prompting local authorities to impose a quarantine on the movement of livestock for one-and-a-half months.
The quarantine, which came into force starting this week (from September 14), bans the movement of livestock and sale of livestock products like meat and milk until further notice.
The quarantine was imposed after more than 50 animals died and about 1,300 others were found infected with the disease in several parts of Nakasongola.
The disease, which was first reported in the district last month, has continued to spread.
According to the Nakasongola District veterinary officer, Samuel Eswaggu, the most affected areas include; Wabinyonyi, Kakooge, Nakitoma, Nabiswera and Lwampanga.
Eswaggu said all the cattle markets in the district have, with immediate effect, been ordered to close, adding that the restrictions will remain in force until further notice.
The disease, which was first reported in the district last month, has continued to spread.
According to the Nakasongola District veterinary officer, Samuel Eswaggu, the most affected areas include; Wabinyonyi, Kakooge, Nakitoma, Nabiswera and Lwampanga.
Eswaggu said all the cattle markets in the district have, with immediate effect, been ordered to close, adding that the restrictions will remain in force until further notice.
Nakasongola District Chairperson Rogers Semanda Kulaba advised livestock farmers in the district and neighbouring districts like Masindi and Kiryandongo to vaccinate their animals to prevent further spread of the disease.
Nakasongola Resident District Commissioner Festus Bandeeba cautioned farmers against buying fake vaccines from impostors. He advised them to obtain the Government-approved vaccine through authorised channels.
He said farmers are required to pay sh8,000 to vaccinate each cow and sh4,000 per goat or sheep in accordance with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries guidelines.
Bandeeba revealed that the Government, through the agriculture ministry, has supplied 470,000 vaccine doses for the vaccination exercise in Nakasongola.
Nakasongola Resident District Commissioner Festus Bandeeba cautioned farmers against buying fake vaccines from impostors. He advised them to obtain the Government-approved vaccine through authorised channels.
He said farmers are required to pay sh8,000 to vaccinate each cow and sh4,000 per goat or sheep in accordance with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries guidelines.
Bandeeba revealed that the Government, through the agriculture ministry, has supplied 470,000 vaccine doses for the vaccination exercise in Nakasongola.