By Leah Namono
NAMISINDWA
Leaders and farmers in Namisindwa District are expressing concern over the rapid spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), which has claimed the lives of about 20 domestic animals within the past week.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, pigs, and deer. It is caused by the Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV) and should not be confused with Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD), which affects humans.
Common symptoms of FMD include fever, blisters in the mouth and on the feet, excessive drooling, lameness, reduced milk production, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
The disease spreads through direct contact with infected animals, contaminated feed, equipment, clothing, vehicles, airborne transmission, and infected animal products such as meat and milk.
The District Secretary for Production, Works, and Natural Resources, Bosco Wasieba, said the outbreak has been reported in the sub-counties and town councils of Namabya, Bukhaweka, Bukhaweka Town Council, Bukhabusi, Buwatuwa, Bumbo Town Council, Mukhuyu, Namisindwa Town Council, and Bumityero.
According to Wasieba, the district has so far recorded 81 suspected cases, with 18 confirmed deaths and 47 recoveries across seven affected sub-counties.
The LC V Chairperson of Namisindwa District, Emma Bwayo, confirmed the outbreak and said the district has already written to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) seeking an urgent response.
He urged cattle traders to suspend the movement of livestock until further guidance is issued by the ministry and called upon residents to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases to veterinary authorities.
Bwayo added that the district security team and the veterinary department under the Production Office are working together to verify the situation on the ground, compile accurate data, and coordinate an effective response with field extension workers.
