MAAIF lifts FMD quarantine on livestock trade in Bukedea district

BUKEDEA, August 1, 2024 – Trade in livestock and related products can continue in Bukedea district. This is after the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries [MAAIF] lifted a quarantine imposed earlier to combat the foot and mouth disease [ FDM ] outbreak.

In March 2024, MAAIF imposed a quarantine in the district following the FMD outbreak in the three sub-counties of Komuge, Koina, and Kongunga.

However, Dr. Anna Rose Ademun, Commissioner of Animal Health in MAAIF in a letter dated July 26, 2024, and addressed to the Chief Administrative Officer, said the status report on FMD in Bukedea district confirmed the disease in the affected areas has been eliminated.

“The purpose of this communique therefore is to inform you that the quarantine on livestock movement that was imposed in the four sub-counties of Kongunga, Koena, Kidongole, and Kachumbala as a result of the FDM outbreak has been lifted,” reads the letter in part.

Dr. Francis Ongelech, the Veterinary Officer Bukedea district said the animal movement restrictions helped to increase community awareness about the foot and mouth disease.

He added that the district also carried out mass livestock vaccination exercise in the affected areas which brought the disease under control.

He explained that farmers in the district are now freed to sell their livestock in the local cattle market while butcheries can also re-open for business.

However, Ongelech cautioned the farmers and livestock traders to adhere to all FMD biosecurity measures while carrying out their transactions so as to avoid fresh outbreaks of the disease that affects cows, goats, sheep, and others.

On her part, Mary Akol, the Bukedea district LCV Chairperson confirmed receiving a copy of the letter from Ademun, and adding that they would inform the leaders in the affected areas.

Akol expressed excitement, stating that livestock farmers in her district will now earn a living through selling their livestock while the district will get local revenue.

“The imposed quarantine on the movement of the livestock and their products has had a negative bearing on the farmers because it was through sale of animals that they are able to get school fees for their children but markets have been closed for four months now,” said Akol.

According to her, the ban has not only affected farmers but also the district revenue collections as they rely on Bukedea cattle market as an important source of local revenue.

She said lack of local revenue had crippled service delivery in the lower administrative units as well as the district local government.

https://thecooperator.news/soroti-district-gears-up-for-mass-livestock-vaccination-against-fmd/

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