Animal quarantine imposed in Kumi, Bukedea districts to contain FMD

Kumi, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) has imposed animal quarantine in Kumi and Bukedea districts following the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).

In her communication to the affected districts, the Commissioner of Animal Health at MAAIF, Dr. Anna Rose Ademun said that the movement of cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, and their products and by-products has been restricted from Kumi and Bukedea districts until further notice.

“Livestock markets, slaughter places including butcheries, loading grounds, and animal shows in the entire district is hereby closed with immediate effect,” the letter written on Jan 25, 2024, to Bukedea district reads in part.

In Kumi district, the office of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) has issued strict measures to cattle dealers and members of the community over the outbreak of the disease.

“The Local Government administrators, veterinary personnel, Local Councils, and Parish Chiefs are further directed to enforce these quarantine restrictions,” reads a letter signed by Martin Okello on January 25, 2024.

He added that there would be no issuance of movement permits or letters of no objection for animals moving out or coming into the district. The letter indicates that Kumi district first reported cases of FMD on November 8, 2023, where quarantine restrictions were imposed to only the affected sub-counties of Kanapa, Ongino, Kadama, Mukongoro, Tisai, Atutur and Mukongoro Town Council. However, the spread of the disease was not contained leading to the extension of the animal quarantine to all the districts.

However, Bukedea, the immediate neighbor to Kumi district also reported cases of Foot and Mouth Disease on Tuesday, in the sub-counties of Komuge, Kidongole, Kachumbala, and Koena thus the quarantine restrictions.

Foot and Mouth Disease is a contagious disease that spreads through direct contact with an infected animal, foodstuffs, or carcasses and affects cattle, swine, sheep, goats, and other cloven-hoofed ruminants. It also has a significant economic impact on livelihoods specifically on parents who rely on the animals for school fees.

********

URN