The District Veterinary Officers (DVO) and researchers have convened at Lake View Hotel in Mbarara City for a three-day workshop on technical review and validation of the risk-based strategic plan for the control of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Uganda.
The workshop was organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), funded by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations under the Technical Cooperation Project (TCP).
At least 36 Districts mostly known for cattle keeping have been placed under quarantine, stopping the movement of cattle and selling of beef because of the escalating spread of the FMD.
The Districts under the ongoing quarantine include Budaka, Bukedea, Bukomansimbi, Bunyangabu, Butaleja, Fortportal City, Gomba, Ibanda, Isingiro, Kabarole, Kassanda and Kayunga. Others are; Kazo, Kiboga, Kibuku, Kiruhura, Kumi, Kyankwanzi, Kyegegwa, Kyotera, Luuka, Lwengo, Lyantonde, Mbarara, Mbarara City, Mityana, Mpigi, Mubende, Nakaseke, Nakasongola, Naminsindwa, Ngora, Ntungamo, Rakai, Rwampara and Sembabule.
MAAIF has so far released FMD vaccines totaling 3.9 million doses to Veterinary Doctors of the most affected districts. More doses of vaccines that will make up a total of close to 10 million doses of vaccines are expected in the Country soon to enable scaling up of vaccination as the fight to eradicate FMD in Ugandan cattle enters a new phase.
FMD is a severe, highly contagious viral disease of livestock that has a significant economic impact. The disease affects cattle, sheep, goats, and other cloven-hoofed ruminants.
It is a transboundary animal disease that deeply affects the production of livestock and disrupts regional and international trade in animals and animal products.
About The Author
