AMOS K
As a way of protecting animals against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), cattle keepers from Ntungamo District have been urged to participate in the ongoing vaccination program, which on Wednesday began in Rugarama North Sub-county.
This program is facilitated by the government; therefore, no cattle keeper is required to pay any money to the veterinary personnel or to buy the vaccine. Cattle keepers are strongly advised to welcome this initiative and have their animals—including cows, goats, and sheep—vaccinated to protect them from this deadly disease.
Kabeho Albert, the LC1 Chairperson of Enkurura Cell and also a cattle keeper, expressed his gratitude, saying that this program will help them prevent Foot and Mouth Disease, which commonly affects them during the upcoming dry season. He therefore called upon all fellow cattle keepers to get involved in the program since it is free.
Amanya Ivan Rwanyakibale, the LC3 Chairperson of Rugarama North Sub-county and also a cattle keeper, said this disease has always disrupted their market for agricultural products, especially those derived from domestic animals such as milk and meat. He also asked cattle keepers to embrace the program to prevent the disease before it affects them again.
Additionally, he called upon local leaders to support the mobilization process to ensure successful vaccination.
While speaking to Arinaitwe Emmanuel, the Assistant District Veterinary Officer, he reiterated that the program is completely free, and cattle keepers are only expected to assist the medical personnel in handling the animals.
Furthermore, he revealed that the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries has directed that any cattle keeper who refuses to participate in the program will be reported to the responsible authorities. He also emphasized that the program is not limited to Rugarama but covers the entire Ntungamo District.
