By KT Reporter
Kasese District has intensified veterinary surveillance following the confirmation of a Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak affecting cattle in several parts of the district.
The disease has been confirmed in Hima, Nyakatonzi, and Katwe, areas considered among the major livestock corridors in the region. Since November, more than ten cattle have reportedly been affected, according to district veterinary records.
Last year, Kasese District received 10,000 doses of the FMD vaccine from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries as part of efforts to curb recurring outbreaks. Although there were no active cases at the time, officials said the vaccination exercise was aimed at preventing future infections.
Following the latest outbreak, the district veterinary department has heightened field surveillance to inspect meat on sale and monitor cattle movement within the district in order to prevent further spread of the disease.
Kasese District Veterinary Officer (DVO), Dr. Yusuf Kibaya, confirmed the resurgence of FMD and warned residents against consuming meat or selling livestock without clearance from the district veterinary office.
Dr. Kibaya attributed the outbreak partly to uncontrolled livestock trade, where animals from different locations are mixed without proper health screening.
He also confirmed an outbreak of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), a highly contagious viral disease affecting goats and sheep, particularly in Kasese Municipality.
Dr. Kibaya advised farmers to improve hygiene practices on their farms, promptly seek veterinary services when animals show signs of illness, and report suspected cases to local leaders and veterinary officers to help contain the diseases.
He further urged farmers to isolate newly purchased animals for at least one week before mixing them with existing stock, and cautioned the public against consuming meat from animals suspected to be sick or slaughtered without inspection.
Yona Kule, a resident of Maliba Town Council who lost two goats, said the animals showed symptoms including diarrhoea and white discharge from the mouth and nose before they died.
As the Christmas festivities approach, Dr. Kibaya warned the public to only consume meat that has been properly inspected and stamped by veterinary health officers.
Foot and Mouth Disease is a highly contagious viral illness affecting cattle and other cloven-hoofed animals.
According to the World Organisation for Animal Health, animals infected with PPR typically present with high fever, depression, eye and nasal discharge, painful mouth lesions, severe diarrhoea, and pneumonia.
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