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Foot and mouth disease (FMD) which has affected several parts of the country since November 2023 continues to spread due to the indiscipline of stakeholders in the livestock sector.

The disease spreads through air and contact between the infected animal and a non-infected animal. Since the outbreak was announced, the disease has spread to 35 districts, with Kampala being among the latest.

According to the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries, Maj. Gen. David Kasura-Kyomukama, the ministry is trying to contain the spread of the disease through ring vaccination and quarantine.

Kasura made the remarks in an interview on the state of FMD in the country on March 14, 2024, at Cotton House in Kampala.

He added that by observing the quarantine rules which involve limited movement of livestock from the affected districts, through the affected areas, and a stop on the sale of livestock and related products from the affected areas will prevent the spread of FMD.

“But the danger is indiscipline. If you impose a quarantine for example in Mbale, the assumption is that everybody will stay in the quarantine area and nobody will take away animals from that area whether sick or normal until the quarantine period is over. Because when you take away animals from the quarantine area and that group there is a sick animal, you are going to start another cycle of infection," Kasura said.

He added for the disease to be contained, this can happen through vaccination and quarantine of the affected areas.