Editor
The Kanungu District Local Government has imposed an immediate quarantine on all animals following an anthrax outbreak confirmed in cattle. Ambrose Mwesigye, the Kanungu District Resident District Commissioner (RDC), announced the quarantine at a press conference on September 17, 2024. The quarantine, which affects cows, goats, sheep, pigs, and their products, will remain in place until further notice as authorities work to contain the spread of the disease.
RDC Mwesigye disclosed that 63 cows have already died from anthrax, while 28 others are currently ill. Tragically, one person has died, and another is receiving treatment after contracting the infection. Butchers and animal markets have been ordered to close immediately, and Mwesigye stressed that security forces are on high alert to enforce the quarantine, warning that any violations will be met with severe consequences.
During a Task Force meeting held earlier in the day, Dr. Mutahunga Birungi, the District Health Officer (DHO), recounted concerns raised last month by District Veterinary Officer Dr. Tumwesigye Aloysius over the unexplained cattle deaths in greater Kambuga Sub-County. Tests conducted at the National Animal Diseases Diagnostics and Epidemiological Centre (NADDEC) in Entebbe confirmed a clostridial infection in some of the samples, raising initial suspicions. However, the presence of anthrax was confirmed when additional samples from the area tested positive for the bacteria.
On September 9, 2024, Mburameizi Barracks HCIII reported that several herdsmen, butchers, and beef consumers had presented with symptoms consistent with anthrax infection. Two men had slaughtered a carcass on September 1 and consumed the meat the next day, leading to the development of skin ulcers—a telltale sign of anthrax. On September 12, a man from Kambuga Sub-County died after reportedly slaughtering and handling a dead cow. Two other members of his family also developed lesions on their skin.
The outbreak is being treated with the utmost seriousness due to the nature of anthrax, a deadly zoonotic disease caused by Bacillus anthracis that can affect both humans and animals. The bacteria live naturally in soil, and animals typically become infected by ingesting spores through contaminated soil, water, or plants. Between 2017 and 2022, Uganda experienced 19 anthrax outbreaks linked to handling or consuming meat from dead cows. A similar outbreak was recorded in Kyotera District in 2023, with a high case fatality rate.
Health authorities have issued advisories on how to manage the outbreak. Measures include vaccinating cattle and burying animal carcasses to prevent further spread. Consumption of meat or animal products such as milk has been strictly prohibited, and any movement of animals within or outside the district is banned.
As of September 17, 28 human cases have been reported across Kanungu District, with the majority of cases concentrated in Kambuga Town Council (8 cases) and Katete Sub-County (10 cases). Tragically, two deaths have occurred, including a male adult from Kambuga Sub-County and a 31-year-old from Rugari cell in Kambuga Town Council. The current case fatality rate stands at 7%.
Symptoms of anthrax can vary depending on the form of the disease. Common signs include skin ulcers with a black center, respiratory distress, and gastrointestinal complications. Health officials are urging anyone who has been exposed to sick animals or who is experiencing these symptoms to seek immediate medical care.
Efforts to contain the outbreak are ongoing, and the Kanungu District Task Force is working closely with national authorities to provide treatment, monitor new cases, and enforce preventive measures. The public is urged to remain vigilant and comply with the quarantine to help stop the spread of the deadly disease.
