NICHOLAS A
Rukungiri District has rolled out a mass vaccination campaign against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) to protect livestock from the highly contagious viral infection.
According to District Veterinary Officer Dr. Johnson Ninsiima, the exercise is targeting cattle, sheep, and goats, which are the most vulnerable to the disease. The move follows last year’s outbreak that left the district grappling with significant losses, prompting authorities to intensify preventive measures.
The campaign began yesterday in Buyanja Town Council and is expected to continue in Nyarushanje Sub-County next week. Dr. Ninsiima noted that the district is currently free from FMD but stressed the importance of vaccination to maintain this status.
The initiative is fully funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries, and all services are being offered free of charge. Farmers are being urged to take their animals for vaccination, while local leaders are encouraged to mobilize communities and promote awareness on the benefits of immunization.
Dr. Ninsiima warned that farmers who ignore such campaigns risk exposing the district to future outbreaks, undermining collective efforts to safeguard animal health and livelihoods.
