Kabarole District Chairperson Calls For Patience As F&M Disease Quarantine Takes Effect.
In the wake of the recent outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Kabarole District, the District Chairperson, Richard Rwabuhinga Abooki has called on residents to exercise patience and cooperation as the district implements stringent quarantine measures to curb the spread of the disease.
The district has also implemented a comprehensive awareness campaign to educate farmers and the general public about the signs and symptoms of Foot and Mouth Disease, as well as the importance of reporting any suspected cases promptly. Farmers and residents were also urged to cooperate with the authorities and report any signs of illness in their livestock promptly.
Under the quarantine measures, livestock transport within and out of the affected areas is strictly prohibited. All livestock markets in the affected regions will be temporarily closed to prevent the congregation of animals and the potential for further transmission of the virus.
The highly contagious viral disease, affecting cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, has prompted local authorities to take swift action to prevent further transmission within the district.
Rwabuhinga says that while these restrictions may inconvenience some residents, they need to see the bigger picture and recognise the necessity of these measures in safeguarding the district's agricultural sector.
According to the authorities, the disease has so far affected the counties of Rwengaju, Busoro, Hakibare, Kibasi, Kabende, Kicwamba, Harugongo, Kasenda, Karangura, and Mugusu. At the same time, town councils include Kaijura, Kiko and Mugusu.
However, the district chairperson says the disease could have come into the district with the animals that were slaughtered from the areas that were already under quarantine during the Christmas period.
The district veterinary teams will be conducting surveillance and testing to identify and isolate infected animals. The quarantine measures will remain in place until the authorities are confident that the outbreak is under control, and the risk of further spread has been minimised.
Animals affected by foot and Mouth disease have a high temperature, which is followed by the development of blisters chiefly in the mouth and on the feet.
