There’s reported outbreak of foot and mouth disease that has killed several pigs leaving farmers in losses in Busia district. Foot and Mouth Disease is a fast-spreading viral illness that causes fever and painful blisters in cloven-hoofed animals. The disease has been reported in Buteba sub-county as pigs develops Woll en cloven-hoofs and wounds on mouth that makes unable to walk and eat.
The outbreak was disclosed by Dr Edrine Opio the veterinary surgeon in- charge of Tiira town council and Sikuda subcounty who represented the Busia district production officer, during the economic mobilisation engagement meeting held at Tiira town council.
The ongoing economic mobilisation dialogue is organised by the Busia district NRM party leaders.
Dr Edrine Opio, the veterinary surgeon said that samples were picked from the affected animals and taken to Entebbe veterinary laboratory where they tested positive to FMD virus in pigs. He said that they are taking all measures to ensure that the disease is not spread to other areas.
Nekesa Barbra Oundo, the NRM party treasurer urged pig farmers to intensify early vaccination of the animals and paultry to prevent outbreak of disease in the area. She said that they want people to fully benefit from the government initiative like Parish Development Model-PDM and Emyooga program.
Nekesa cautioned residents to wake up and begin agricultural practices that can bring money in their pockets and avail home necessities.
Moses Kundu, the farmer who practices piggery told our reporter that the outbreak of foot and mouth disease has put them on tension because has left several into losses. He appealed to government to help and intervene by bringing the vaccine.
Omaliri Charles, a pig farmer said that he got the parish development model-PDM fund that he incurred in the piggery project but has lost pigs due to diseases.
Juma Samwiri, another pig farmer said that he is counting losses due to diseases that has killed his six pigs that had bought from parish development model-PDM. The pigs started by losing appetite and started dyeing something he could not control.
John Charles Namayindi, the Busia district LCV chairman said that the government has given several people the PDM money, but the beneficiaries still lack the knowledge of managing their projects.
He appealed to government to establish the agricultural skilling centre so that farmers can get skills of managing diseases that affects their projects. John Paul Wandera, the MP for Samia Bugwe North Constituency urged farmers not to lose hope due to disease outbreak. He appealed to youths to work hard by practicing farming to eradicate poverty-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
