EDITOR
All farmers keeping livestock, including cattle, pigs, goats, and sheep, have been advised to prepare and mobilize money to pay for the upcoming mandatory vaccination exercise against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).
The advice was contained in a press statement released by the Mbarara City Veterinary Officer, Dr. Amanyire Moses. He said the vaccination exercise is a critical national animal health intervention aimed at controlling and preventing the spread of this highly contagious disease, which poses a serious threat to livestock productivity and trade.
He said each cow and each pig will cost Shs 8,000, while for each goat and sheep, the farmer will pay Shs 4,000, twice a year for each animal.
Dr. Amanyire explained that the vaccination charges are per animal and must be paid by the farmer through the designated collection bank accounts named “FMD Vaccination Revenue Collection Account” in Pearl Bank and Housing Finance Bank. He added that the Pearl Bank account number is 4050006000001, while the Housing Finance Bank account number is 115000001644.
Dr. Amanyire appealed to all farmers to visit the Mbarara City offices for more information and guidance.
He clarified that after payment, each farmer must present proof of payment, such as a bank receipt or mobile money confirmation message, to the Division Veterinary Officer for recording and registration, which will be submitted to the ministry for vaccination planning and scheduling.
Dr. Amanyire warned that any farmer who refuses to comply will be considered an obstacle in the fight against the disease and will be penalized accordingly.
He added that those who fail to comply will not be allowed access to markets for both livestock and their products, and further legal action will be taken against non-compliant farmers.
He urged all local leaders, including Local Council leaders, parish chiefs, town agents, and other law enforcement officials, to mobilize, monitor, and supervise the exercise to ensure that all livestock are paid for and vaccinated within their areas of jurisdiction.
