Kamwenge district authorities have lifted a ban on butcheries and livestock movement after vaccinating 5,000 cattle against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).
The District Veterinary Department had closed butcheries and put a ban on livestock movement after an outbreak of the disease in the neighbouring districts, more than two weeks ago.
Dr Paul Mbago, the District Veterinary Officer said the decision was based on reports that the viral disease had already ravaged livestock in the neighbouring districts of Kiruhura, Kazo and Ibanda.
The government had also imposed quarantine on five districts in southwestern Uganda following the new outbreak of foot and mouth disease.
The affected districts included Gomba, Isingiro, Kazo, Kiruhura and Sembabule where the disease has been detected in many herds.
Mbago says that after vaccinating the cattle in the high-risk Sub Counties of Bihanga, Nkoma, and Nkoma-Katalyeba town council, the authorities no longer see the reason for the restrictions in Kamwenge.
Gallas Kiwanuka, the Vice-Chairperson of Kamwenge Town Council Abattoir Users’ Association, has welcomed the decision by the veterinary officer, saying the closure of butcheries had taken a toll on their income.
