Ibanda begins vaccination against FMD
Authorities and veterinary staff in Ibanda district have called for vigilance among livestock owners and residents following the confirmation of a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in Kazo and Kiruhura districts.
Dr Hilary Arinaitwe, Ibanda district veterinary officer (DVO) said all parish chiefs and local leaders across the district, especially in sub-counties and town councils bordering Kiruhura and Kazo have been alerted as a preventative measure to deter spread of the contagious viral disease. He also urged farmers and the general public to cooperate with veterinary officers in their localities to fight the spread of FMD into the district.
The DVO said this seeks to protect businesses and people whose livelihoods depend on livestock production and related activities and services.
The viral disease affects cloven hoofed livestock and wildlife including cattle, goats, pigs, sheep and buffalos.
Cases of FMD have been confirmed in Buremba sub-county in Kazo and Kikatsi and Rwenshande sub-counties in Kiruhura district.
It should be noted that during the 2021 FMD outbreak the economies in the three districts were hard hit as livestock markets were closed and trade in livestock and livestock-related products banned following quarantines that were enforced for a long spell.
FMD Vaccination
Dr Arinaitwe revealed that the district has 6500 doses of anti-FMD vaccines and has started vaccinating animals in Keihangara, Kikyenke, and Nyamarebe sub-counties, as well as Rushango and Kanyarugiri town councils, and Bisheshe Division in Ibanda Municipality, which border with Kazo or Kiruhura districts.
According to the records, Ibanda has an estimated 50,000 heads of cattle, with sheep at about 30,000, while goats are in the region of 80,000 and 40,000 pigs.
