Kiruhura: Confusion as farmers rubbish FMD claims
The Kiruhura District Veterinary officer, Dr. Asiimwe Grace has insisted with affirmation that there is an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease-FMD in Kitagi cell Kenshunga sub-county Kiruhura though cattle keepers in areas oppose the confirmation.
Dr. Asiimwe revealed this on Tuesday during a meeting between district authorities and cattle farmers and traders at Kiyonza catholic primary school grounds where it was said that there is a case on one farmer’s farm in which the health of one of the cows has deteriorated severely.
According to Dr Asiimwe, blood samples were taken from six cows on this farm and that five came positive after two days which these farmers oppose asserting that the cow is suffering from unknown disease but not FMD.
Kiretwa Philimon, one of the cattle keepers said that the said sick cow is not suffering from FMD.
Dr. Asiimwe was seen unhappy because of being taken as a liar by farmers of Kitagi about blood sample results.
Addressing the same meeting, Dan Mukago, the Kiruhura District LC V chairman ordered veterinary doctors to treat the sick cow.
Matsiko Mujwani, the chairman for Kenshunga Sub-County also insisted that there is no FMD in his sub county.
According to World Organization for Animal Health, FMD is a severe, highly contagious viral disease of livestock characterized by fever and blister-like sores on the tongue and lips, in the mouth, on the teats and between the hooves leading to severe production losses.
By Mutatiina Medison
