Editor
Farmers and veterinary officers in Nyakabande sub-county, Kisoro district, are expressing deep concerns about the emergence of drug-resistant ticks that have been affecting their livestock. The issue was brought to light recently by Jonath Mbiine, the Assistant Veterinary Officer of Nyakabande sub-county, during a ceremony held at Bafaso Agro-Tourism mixed farm in Rambura cell, Gasiza parish, Nyakabande sub-county, Kisoro district.
At this event, pasture was provided to four dairy farmer groups, and the farmers were also given training on pasture production and management. This training aimed to bolster their capabilities in improving animal nutrition, farm yields, and overall profitability.
Mbiine emphasized that the prevalence of Blacklegged Ticks and Brown Dog Ticks continues to be a significant challenge for farmers in Kisoro. These ticks are responsible for diseases such as East Coast Fever and Boophilus decoloratus, leading to livestock deaths or a decrease in milk production. He also noted the difficulty in obtaining authentic acaricides for tick control.
Winnie Bavuga, the Director of Bafaso Agro-Tourism, encouraged farmers to explore value addition in agriculture as a means to reap greater benefits from their agricultural endeavors.
