Kiruhura district authorities have raised concern about another wave of Foot and Mouth Disease-FMD because of the farmer’s failure to follow the containment measures put in place to stop the spread of the highly contagious disease.
In June this year, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industries and Fisheries lifted the six-month quarantine imposed on the district to contain the spread of FMD.
While lifting the quarantine, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industries and Fisheries issued guidelines including among others that cattle markets remain closed.
However, Kiruhuri District Veterinary Officer, Dr. Grace Asiimwe, says that despite the reduction of the disease in the district, some farmers and traders have started defying the guidelines, which compromises their efforts to eliminate the disease.
He says the disease is currently prevalent in Kinoni and Kanyaryeru sub-counties, where they have now placed a lot of attention.
Dan Mukago, the LC V Chairperson of Kiruhura District, says that the task force banned the movement of cattle on foot and street or communal grazing, noting that it spreads FMD faster.
He, however, says that people have started moving the animals secretly in the cover of the night.
Kiruhura district received 45,000 doses of FMD vaccine to 135,000 head of cattle.
