AMOS K
Cattle keepers in Buyanja Subcounty, Rukungiri District, have been urged to actively participate in the ongoing government-sponsored foot and mouth disease vaccination campaign aimed at preventing the spread of the highly contagious disease among livestock.
The appeal was made by the LC3 Chairperson of Buyanja Subcounty, Agaba Emmy Rubondo, who emphasized the importance of the program in protecting animals, especially since the disease has already been reported in neighboring subcounties where animal markets operate. Rubondo warned that foot and mouth disease is deadly and spreads rapidly among animals, making vaccination a crucial preventive measure.
He further noted that the vaccines are provided by the government free of charge, and no cattle keeper should be asked to pay for the service.
Supporting Rubondo’s remarks, Muhabuzi Deus, the veterinary officer for Buyanja Town Council, confirmed that the program covers the entire district and is fully facilitated by the government. He explained that veterinary teams move from house to house, especially targeting zero-grazing farms, to ensure all animals are vaccinated.
Despite the progress, Deus highlighted challenges such as low turnout by some farmers even though the vaccination is free. He also pointed out the difficulty of operating in hard-to-reach areas with limited government facilitation, including low payments and high fuel costs for field movements.
Authorities continue to urge full cooperation from farmers to ensure the disease is contained and livestock in the district remain healthy.
