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Gulu, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Six herdsmen accused of violating the livestock quarantine meant to contain the spread of the highly contagious Foot and Mouth Disease-FMD in Gulu district are in police custody.
The suspects are Godfrey Kato, Frank Mugabi, Goodluck Tumuhirwe, Abel Tuhabwe, Emmanuel Kalangu and Godfrey Mutebi.
David Mudong Ongom, the Aswa River Region Police Spokesperson says that the suspects were picked up from Paicho, Patiko and Palaro sub counties in Gulu district on the orders of the Resident District Commissioner and the District Veterinary Officer.
He says that the suspects were found transporting cattle into the district contrary to the ban of livestock movement in and out of the district.
According to Mudong, the suspects have been slapped with charges of illegal transportation of animals within quarantine area vide SD 48/27/09/2021.
Stephen Odong Latek, the Gulu Resident District Commissioner says the herdsmen were transporting 132 cattle into the district without any valid identification.
He says that they impounded the animals and are waiting for guidance from the District Veterinary Department on their next course of action.
Latek says that they also ensured the owners of the animals record statements with the police.
On September 3rd, 2021, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries-MAAIF through Dr. Rose Anna Adenum, the Commissioner Animal Health imposed quarantine on Awach and Paicho sub counties following the confirmed outbreak of FMD, a severe and highly contagious viral disease of livestock that has a significant economic impact.
It affects cattle, swine, sheep, goats and other cloven-hoofed ruminants. It spreads through contact with an infected animal or its products.
The disease can be stopped through vaccination.
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