Derrick A
The Rukungiri district veterinary office took blood samples from cattle in Nyakishenyi Sub County on Thursday due to a surge in unexpected cattle deaths, causing concern among farmers.
Dr. Johnson Ninsiima, the Rukungiri district veterinary officer, mentioned that the samples would undergo laboratory testing to identify the cause of the disease responsible for the death of 49 cattle in Nyakishenyi Sub County.
Dr. Ninsiima assured the cattle keepers in Nyakishenyi that the results would be available by the end of next week. He urged them to be patient and advised against slaughtering deceased cows. Instead, he recommended burying the animals temporarily, cautioning against consuming the meat, as it could pose risks to their health.
The veterinary team aims to find a solution promptly once the results from the blood samples are obtained.
Boniface Tumwesigye, the Murama Parish Councilor in Nyakishenyi Sub County, expressed hope that the results would be returned soon, allowing them to address the challenges posed by the cattle deaths.
Farmers in Kiganda village, who lost animals, reported symptoms such as weakness, preventing the cattle from standing, and diarrhea, leading to death within days. These incidents have left them worried, especially since the cattle served as their primary source of income for paying school fees in the upcoming term.
