Staff Reporter
The Veterinary Officer in charge of Bubaare sub-county in Kashari South, Mbarara district, Dr. Saddam Kajubi, has revealed that Mbarara district is currently under quarantine restrictions due to a directive from the Commissioner of Animal Health in the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF). This has led to a state of panic among farmers.
Dr. Saddam emphasized that, under the quarantine measures, farmers and traders are prohibited from trading animals and their by-products. Ongoing sensitization programs are being conducted to educate farmers on prevention and control measures for the recent Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak, affecting both infected and non-infected farms.
During an address to stakeholders at Bubaare sub-county headquarters, Dr. Saddam cautioned farmers against being lured by unverified veterinary practitioners claiming to possess an unknown FMD vaccine. He stressed that such vaccines are not recognized by veterinary doctors or the government.
Highlighting the highly contagious nature of FMD, Dr. Saddam warned that the disease spreads rapidly from farm to farm and even across districts and countries. Currently, there is no government-recognized vaccine, and any potential vaccine must undergo thorough confirmation.
Despite the challenges, Dr. Saddam conveyed the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries’ efforts to procure a vaccine for livestock farmers. Additionally, the veterinary department has established village task forces responsible for monitoring and inspecting suspected infected farms. These task forces collaborate with police, farmers, local council leaders, and other security agencies to take necessary actions.
