STELLA T
Cattle keepers have been urged to be vigilant against foot-and-mouth disease by implementing strict biosecurity measures, immediately reporting any suspected cases to veterinary officials, and cooperating with movement restrictions.
This call was made today by Rukungiri District Veterinary Officer, Dr. Johnson Ninsiima, while in an exclusive interview with our reporter. He noted that foot-and-mouth disease is an infectious and sometimes fatal viral disease that primarily affects even-toed ungulates, including domestic and wild bovids.
He lamented that animals show signs such as fever and lameness, where animals may limp or be reluctant to move or stand, often due to painful blisters on or around the hooves. Mouth and foot blisters—fluid-filled blisters—appear on the tongue, lips, and the upper part of the hoof, which can rupture to cause painful ulceration. Other signs include excessive salivation, reduced production, loss of appetite, smacking of lips, teeth grinding, and in some cases, abortions.
Ninsiima urged cattle keepers to implement strict biosecurity and maintain accurate records of all animal movements, including origin and destination. He emphasized the importance of keeping facilities clean and disinfected, avoiding contaminated sources, and vaccinating animals in the event of an outbreak to prevent further spread and protect healthy livestock.
He added that newly acquired animals should be isolated, vehicles properly cleaned and disinfected, and livestock auctions avoided where possible, as the disease can spread rapidly through contaminated vehicles and feed.
Ninsiima called upon farmers to actively participate in the ongoing government-sponsored foot-and-mouth disease vaccination campaign aimed at preventing the spread of this highly contagious disease among livestock.
