Authorities in Mbarara city and district have imposed livestock quarantine due to the outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in the area.
The areas affected are Biharwe in Mbarara north division Mbarara city and Kagongi Sub County
Mbarara district.
The Mbarara district Veterinary Officer Dr. Andrew Akashaba explains that with immediate effect all movement of cattle, goats, sheep, pigs and their products within the affected
areas are prohibited until further notice.
He clarified that livestock markets, slaughter places, within the affected areas of Biharwe and Kagongi are also closed with immediate effect.
Dr Akashaba says the plans are already laid to start vaccinating animals in the affected areas but asked the law enforcement officers such as police, local council leaders, technical staff and general public to enforce quarantine restrictions to prevent the spread of the disease to other areas.
Dr Amanyine Moses the Mbarara City Senior Veterinary Officer also said the city veterinary team is down in the community doing surveillance and management against the foot and mouth disease that is a very economic challenge to the farmers and the government.