AMOS K
Cattle keepers from Rugarama North Sub-county in Ntungamo District are raising concerns over an outbreak of lumpy skin disease, which has continued to claim the lives of their animals.
They report that the disease has become their biggest worry as it spreads quickly, putting the lives of animals at risk and increasing the financial burden on farmers who are trying to vaccinate their herds — often in vain.
While speaking to us, Nkamweshumba Steven, one of the affected cattle keepers who recently lost a cow to the disease, expressed deep concern. He pointed out some of the common symptoms, including fever, skin rashes, loss of appetite, and in severe cases, death if not treated promptly.
Amanya Ivan Rwanyakibale, the LC3 Chairperson of Rugarama North Sub-county and also a cattle keeper, said that after receiving reports about the outbreak, he contacted the responsible authorities at the district level, but they have not yet received any response.
He called upon fellow cattle keepers to always report such cases early so that the disease can be contained quickly, as they continue to wait for government intervention.
Gershom Ruremire, another cattle keeper, described the disease as deadly and urged fellow farmers to vaccinate their animals as early as possible by reaching out to nearby veterinary officers.
Speaking to Emmanuel Arinaitwe, the veterinary extension worker for Rugarama North Sub-county, he confirmed they are aware of the outbreak and are doing their best to assist the affected cattle keepers before the situation worsens.
