The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Ibanda, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The business community dealing in cattle products in Ibanda district are crying foul after authorities imposed a total ban on the movement and sale of cattle products due to the escalating foot and mouth disease.
The Ibanda District Veterinary Officer Dr. Hillary Arinaitwe on Thursday declared a ban on both the transportation of animals and selling of animal products that came into implementation on Friday, until further notice.
Steven Katende Senku, the chairperson of meat traders Ibanda district says the ban was on short notice and thus inconsiderate of their operations. He says this will have grave effects on their income and livelihood.
Robert Mugume, a farmer and businessman from Nsasi says some of their animals were already paid for and others were delivered to the abattoir awaiting slaughter, and therefore a space of one day is not enough for them to make the necessary changes.
Shilah Kamusiime, the owner of Shiika sweet corner says the ban will negatively affect their daily operations since hotels work most when they have meat on their menus. She pleads with the authorities to allow areas without FMD to continue operation.
However, Dr. Hillary Arinaitwe says the earlier measures that had been taken were not heeded to and this has led to the number of farms attacked by the disease to surge. He says the only appropriate measure is to halt all business related to animal trade and its products.
Dr. Arinaitwe says they cannot allow any trade of animal products because their consumption may cause symptoms like fever, blisters, and sore throat in humans.
An infected animal presents with blisters on the mouth and foot, loss of appetite, fever and a drop in milk production.
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