Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Monitor Team
Published on 2024-02-03 05:54:03
Farmers and traders involved in the cattle business in the districts surrounding the cattle corridor have been hit hard by the government’s implementation of movement control restrictions to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) among livestock.
These measures have also been implemented to safeguard consumers from the negative effects of consuming red meat from infected animals. The Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries (Maaif) has placed various districts under quarantine to control the spread of the disease.
Some of the affected districts include Budaka, Bukedea, Kumi, Bukomansimbi, Butaleja, Fort Portal City, and Gomba. Others are: Isingiro, Kabarole, Luuka, Lwengo, Lyatonde, Mbarara, Mityana, Mpigi, Nakasongola, Nakaseke, Ntungamo, Rakai, Rwampara, and Sembabule.
The restrictions have been imposed under the Animal Disease Act Cap 38, as per a January 25 letter signed by Dr Anna Rose Ademun, the Maaif’s commissioner of animal health.
This ban prohibits the movement of cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, and animal products such as milk. According to Dr Ademun, FMD is a contagious viral disease that affects various animals such as cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, and other cloven-hoofed ruminants.
The ban came into effect in Bukedea District after the detection of affected animals in specific sub-counties. However, some local leaders and farmers have raised concerns about the accuracy of these findings, claiming that there have been no recent signs of FMD in their areas.
Farmers have experienced significant financial losses as the restrictions came at a time when they were preparing to send their children back to school. Many have contested the need for the restrictions, citing the lack of evidence of FMD in their areas.
Veterinary officials and local government leaders have expressed their frustration with the bans, as they have taken measures to control and vaccinate animals against FMD.
In response to this, the regional veterinary officer has emphasized the importance of compliance with the restrictions and proper vaccination of animals.
In western Uganda, where livestock plays a significant role in the local economy, stakeholders have been urged to explore alternative sources of income until the ban is lifted.
The enforcement of the quarantine, alongside heightened security operations, has been initiated to prevent the spread of the disease.
Several other districts have faced similar economic challenges due to the livestock movement restrictions. In Mbarara, butchers and dairy farmers have expressed concerns about their livelihoods.
The ban on livestock movement has disrupted the sale of meat and dairy products, impacting the incomes of farmers and traders. In the West Nile Sub-region, some districts have managed to control the spread of FMD, leading to the lifting of the quarantine.
Government officials have assured the public that vaccine supplies are expected to arrive soon to combat the spread of FMD. However, the restrictions have raised questions about the effectiveness of vaccination efforts and the annual recurrence of the disease.
Local authorities have been urged to ensure the proper enforcement of the restrictions and to take measures to prevent the spread of the disease.
While these restrictions have been challenging for farmers and traders, the government’s response to controlling the spread of FMD demonstrates its commitment to safeguarding the livestock sector and ensuring food safety for consumers.
While it’s a difficult time for those involved in the cattle business, authorities are working to protect public health and the agricultural economy.
Read the original article on Uganda Monitor
