FMD outbreak kills 18 animals, spreads across Namisindwa district
"The district has so far recorded 81 suspected cases, with 18 confirmed deaths and 47 recoveries across seven affected sub-counties," Wasieba said.
Namisindwa: Leaders and farmers in Namisindwa District have raised concern over the rapid spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), which has killed at least 18 domestic animals and infected dozens more across several sub-counties.
According to district authorities, the outbreak has affected Namabya, Bukhaweka, Bukhaweka Town Council, Bukhabusi, Buwatuwa, Bumbo Town Council, Mukhuyu, Namisindwa Town Council, and Bumityero.
Bosco Wasieba, the Namisindwa District Secretary for Production, Works and Natural Resources, said the district has so far registered 81 suspected cases, with 18 confirmed animal deaths and 47 recoveries across seven affected sub-counties.
“The district has so far recorded 81 suspected cases, with 18 confirmed deaths and 47 recoveries across seven affected sub-counties,” Wasieba said.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, buffaloes and deer. The disease is characterized by fever, blisters in the mouth and on the feet, excessive drooling, lameness, loss of appetite, reduced milk production and weight loss.
It spreads through direct contact with infected animals, contaminated feeds, equipment, clothing, vehicles, airborne transmission and infected animal products such as meat and milk.
Namisindwa LC V Chairperson Emma Bwayo confirmed the outbreak and said the district has formally notified the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), requesting urgent intervention to contain the disease.
“We have written to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries seeking an urgent response to the outbreak,” Bwayo said.
Bwayo urged livestock traders to suspend the movement of animals until further guidance is issued by the ministry, warning that continued movement could accelerate the spread of the disease.
“We call upon cattle traders to halt the movement of livestock for now and urge residents to report any suspected cases to veterinary authorities immediately,” he said.
He added that the district security committee and the veterinary department under the Production Office are working jointly to verify cases, compile accurate data and coordinate a comprehensive response with field extension workers.
Authorities have advised farmers to isolate sick animals, restrict unnecessary livestock movement and promptly report suspected infections as efforts to contain the outbreak continue.
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