By KT Reporter
A mysterious disease has killed more than 300 goats in Buseruka Sub County, Hoima District, leaving farmers devastated and calling for urgent government intervention. The worst-hit areas include Lyato, Kasenyi, and the Fofo landing site, where the outbreak began two weeks ago.
Affected goats are exhibiting symptoms such as diarrhea, coughing, sneezing, nasal and eye discharge, labored breathing, and swollen or sealed eyes, often dying shortly after these symptoms appear. Jackson Oforu, a farm manager in Kasenyi, says they have lost 100 goats in just two weeks. He expressed deep concern about the rapid spread and impact of the disease.
James Kiviri, another farmer in Kasenyi, revealed he has lost 30 goats, noting that the economic toll is severe. Many farmers in the area had invested heavily in goat rearing using funds from the Parish Development Model (PDM).
Apophius Nyakato, a goat farmer,, says she has lost over 100 goats and appealed for government assistance, saying farmers are financially crippled and cannot afford vaccinations on their own.
Keren Akambaho, another affected farmer, also lost over 100 goats and described the situation as alarming. She urged the government to act swiftly to save the remaining livestock.
Apophius Ambaasiza warned that if no action is taken soon, the disease could wipe out goat populations in the area entirely.
Buseruka Sub County LC3 Chairperson Ali Tinkamanyire said the farmers have gone through untold suffering and asked the government to swiftly vaccinate all goats across the sub county to contain the disease.
However, when contacted for comment, Dr. Patrick Ndorwa, the Hoima District Veterinary Officer, said he was not yet aware of the outbreak but promised to coordinate with his sub-county team to investigate the matter. This is not the first time Buseruka has experienced such a crisis.
In November 2021, over 300 goats were killed in a similar outbreak of Goat Plague (Peste des Petits Ruminants), a highly contagious viral disease affecting goats and sheep. That outbreak was eventually contained through a mass vaccination campaign. Experts warn that most goats showing symptoms of the disease often die, making rapid detection and vaccination critical-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
