Senior Reporter
Ibanda district authorities have imposed a one-month livestock quarantine following the confirmation of an Anthrax disease outbreak.
The Chief Administration Officer (CAO), Kweyamba Ruhemba, officially announced the outbreak in a letter addressed to the Commissioner of Animal Health at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF). In the letter, Kweyamba outlined guidelines to control the spread of the disease, emphasizing the importance of strict adherence by the residents.
Reports of Anthrax cases in humans who handled meat from infected animals prompted the quarantine. Dr. Hillary Arinaitwe, the Ibanda District veterinary officer, revealed that a person from Mabonwa Parish in Rukiri subcounty tested positive for Anthrax earlier in the month. Twelve more individuals are currently under scrutiny for displaying symptoms of the disease.
Dr. Arinaitwe informed reporters that all slaughterhouses, livestock movements, and markets in the affected area have been closed.
The district is implementing ring vaccination measures for all suspected animal species in specific regions, including Keihangara Sub County, Bisheshe Division, Rukiri Sub County, and Kagongo Division. Additionally, ongoing sensitization and surveillance activities are being carried out to curb the Anthrax outbreak.
