MUGABE
Veterinary service providers from the 13 sub-counties of Rukungiri District received testing equipment on Wednesday, 2nd October 2024, supplied by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Fisheries (MAAF).
The equipment includes stamps, ink pads, sharpening rods, hooks, liters of ink, and aprons to support efforts in preventing the consumption of animal products contaminated with anthrax.
While presiding over the handover ceremony, Wilberforce Ongom Ahimbisibwe, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC), cautioned the recipients to remain vigilant and reject bribery and laziness, as these could result in loss of life from contaminated meat.
Micheal Byarugaba, the Secretary for Production, Marketing, and Natural Resources, warned the providers against stamping carcasses of animals that had succumbed to disease. He encouraged them to apprehend butchers selling meat from dead animals in trading centers.
Dr. Johnson Ninsiima, the Rukungiri District Veterinary Officer, expressed the district’s readiness to sensitize the public on preventive measures to stop the spread of anthrax from Kanungu District, particularly at entry points in Nyakagyeme, Nyakishenyi, and Ruhinda Sub-Counties. He urged the public to avoid purchasing unstamped meat.
Geoffrey Asiimwe, the Veterinary Officer for Kebisoni Town Council, assured the public that the equipment would be used appropriately and emphasized the importance of avoiding unstamped meat to prevent contamination.
Nakakooza Catherine, the Veterinary Officer for Nyakagyeme Sub-County, reiterated that unstamped meat would not be tolerated due to the strict measures enforced by the veterinary service providers.
