Alebtong begins vaccination against FMD

ALEBTONG, September 27, 2024 – The Alebtong District Veterinary Department has launched a vaccination campaign against the deadly Foot and Mouth Disease [ FMD ]in the district.

Jacob Adoko, the Acting Alebtong District Veterinary Officer, announced yesterday that they aim to cover the entire district quickly as they vaccinate livestock against the disease.

This is after government procured 10 million doses of the FMD vaccines for the country, following a supplementary budget passed in the financial year 2023/224.

Alebtong district received 25,000 doses to vaccinate the animals against FMD. “We initiated the vaccination programme starting from Adwir Subcounty, where we vaccinated 6,300 cattle. We are currently in Omoro, on our fourth day, and the response has been encouraging,” Adoko said.

The goal is to utilise all 25,000 doses across three sub-counties: Adwir, Omoro, and Angetta. According to Adoko, Omoro Subcounty parishes of Oculukori, and Omararri have had over 3,000 cattle vaccinated.

“We are pleased to serve the people of Alebtong and are committed to extending our efforts to other sub-counties and town councils,” he stated. “Next year, we aim to vaccinate 10,000 cattle,” he added, noting that livestock health is gradually improving and farmers should be encouraged to adopt more exotic breeds.

After the FMD vaccination, the veterinary team in Alebtong district will focus on mass rabies vaccination, targeting 5,000 dogs and cats in the district. “This time, we want all dogs and cats to be vaccinated, as we aim to eradicate rabies by 2030,” Adoko said.

Patrick Opio from Oculukori parish expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries for providing the vaccines to safeguard livestock.

He highlighted that many farmers in Alebtong district lack access to FMD vaccines and struggle to identify the disease’s signs and symptoms.

Samuel Ogwal, another resident, emphasised the importance of sensitising farmers about the causes, signs, and prevention measures for FMD to avoid losses.

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

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