Anthrax outbreak: Ban on beef trade drives up chicken and fish prices in Kanungu
Cases in Kanungu first emerged on September 9, 2024, at Mburameizi Barracks Health Center III, following the deaths of two men who had slaughtered and consumed meat from a sick cow
KANUNGU, September 30, 2024 – The recent ban on the movement and slaughter of livestock for beef in Kanungu district, aimed at containing an anthrax outbreak, has left beef lovers with little choice but to turn to chicken and fish, resulting in significant price increases.
Dr. Aloysius Tumwesigye, the Kanungu District Veterinary Officer [DVO], reported that the price of chicken meat has surged from Shs 10,000 to Shs 17,000 per kilo, while a live 3kg chicken now costs Shs 50,000, up from Shs 35,000. This spike follows an outbreak of anthrax that has claimed four lives in the past week.
“Prices for chicken and fish have risen sharply because we halted livestock trade to contain anthrax. People are now relying on chicken, fish, and rabbits, but these supplies are limited,” said Tumwesigye.
Henry Tofayo, a local butcher, noted that all butcheries are closed due to the anthrax threat. “The beef business cannot resume until the outbreak is fully contained,” he added, explaining that this has put the livelihoods of butchers in jeopardy.
The DVO confirmed that a team of epidemiologists from the Ministry of Health is currently assessing whether the affected areas should be placed under quarantine as a precautionary measure. “While we have temporarily stopped the movement of animals and related products, only the Ministry of Agriculture can enforce a quarantine,” he explained.
Tumwesigye also highlighted the challenge facing farmers, many of whom cannot afford vaccines for their animals. He urged the Agriculture Ministry to intervene and provide necessary vaccines.
Ambrose Arinaitwe, a cattle dealer, expressed frustration over his inability to pay for vaccines for the 400 cattle he has purchased. “I’m stuck with these cattle without a place to keep them, and the veterinary officers are pressuring me to vaccinate them. If they die, the losses will be devastating,” he said.
Dr. Tumwesigye noted that Kanungu district had not experienced significant animal disease outbreaks in a long time and called for an investigation into the source of the anthrax outbreak. The affected areas include Kambuga Sub-county, Kambuga Town Council, Katete Subcounty, Nyakabungo Sub-county, Kihihi Town Council, and Bugongi Sub-county. “So far, 100 cows have died from anthrax, and over 6,000 animals have been vaccinated,” he reported.
Dr. Birungi Mutahunga, the District Health Officer [DHO] for Kanungu, stated that the spread of anthrax has slowed since the movement of animals and related products was restricted. “By halting the movement of meat, milk, and livestock, we have managed to reduce the transmission of anthrax from animals to humans,” she said.
Ambrose Mwesigye Amanyire, the Resident District Commissioner [RDC] of Kanungu, urged the public to exercise caution, emphasising that consuming beef at this time poses significant health risks. “There is currently no movement of livestock—this includes goats, cows, sheep, and pigs. Avoid consuming or slaughtering dead animals, and ensure that all carcasses are buried properly,” he advised.
In a related incident, Bushenyi district has reported two deaths linked to the consumption of meat from a cow suspected to have died from anthrax. Peter Ndyahoza, the district Vice-Chairman of Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality, warned residents against eating the meat of dead animals.
Anthrax is a rare but serious infection caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis, found naturally in soil worldwide. It primarily affects livestock and wild game but can be transmitted to humans through skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion.
Cases in Kanungu first emerged on September 9, 2024, at Mburameizi Barracks Health Center III, following the deaths of two men who had slaughtered and consumed meat from a sick cow on September 1, 2024. Medics reported that the two exhibited symptoms typical of anthrax, including skin ulcers, severe fever, and stomach pain.
Cases of anthrax have previously been reported in the cattle corridor districts of Kyotera, Ibanda, Sembabule, and others.
https://thecooperator.news/kyotera-chicken-prices-hike-as-govt-bans-eating-of-beef-due-to-anthrax/
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