Lumpy skin disease killing cattle in Mubende

Aug 06, 2013

Pastoralists in Mubende district are in a panic because of the lumpy skin disease, which has started killing their cattle.

By Luke Kagiri

Pastoralists in Mubende district are in a panic because of the lumpy skin disease, which has started killing their cattle. The disease has over the last two weeks claimed over 20 head of cattle in Kiyuni sub-county in Mubende.

Some pastoralists said a number of herds have been affected and are likely to die.

Anna Maria Byanteza, a farmer in Kyenina village, Kiyuni, said she has lost over 10 cows to this disease. She suspects that one of the residents could have bought an infected animal which is spreading the disease.

Gison Mukiibi, another farmer in Kabajoji village in Kiyuni, appealed to the Government to help the district in getting rid of the disease.

“On Friday, some veterinary doctors came and vaccinated some animals, but it should be done throughout the district because the disease may spread from one farm to another,” he said.

Dr. Kiyimba Ssemogerere, the district veterinary officer, blames the pastoralists for not reporting the disease outbreak to area leaders, which he says has escalated its spread.

He said the district has embarked on a campaign to vaccinate all the animals but the challenge are the vaccines, which are not readily available.

Francis Kibuuka Amooti, the district LC5 chairperson, told New vision that Kiyuni has been the worst-affected, but they fear the disease may spread to other parts of the district.

An infected animal usually develops wounds all over the skin, discharges mucus from the mouth and nostrils.

It also persistently dribbling saliva, coughs and breathes with difficulty.

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