IBANADA, October 21, 2025 – The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries [MAAIF] has confirmed a suspected anthrax outbreak at a farm in Birongo I, Rwambu Parish, Kijongo Sub-county, Ibanda district.
The confirmation was made by the Permanent Secretary, Maj. Gen. David Kasura-Kyomukama, who also announced that MAAIF has activated emergency response measures to contain the spread of the disease within and outside the district.
According to Kyomukama, seven cattle have died so far. Additionally, four individuals who came into contact with one of the dead animals [carcasses] have developed skin lesions consistent with cutaneous anthrax and are currently receiving medical care.
“The people who had eaten the meat of dead cows were developing skin rashes and were rushed to the nearest health centre,” he stated.
Kyomukama noted that anthrax is a very dangerous zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, which forms spores capable of surviving in the environment for over a century. Transmission occurs through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact with infected animals or contaminated materials. The disease was last reported in Ibanda district in 2023.
Immediate response measures
MAAIF has taken the following immediate actions:
- Investigation and Testing: Joint veterinary and public health investigations have been conducted, and samples have been submitted for laboratory confirmation.
- Vaccination: Emergency vaccination has been carried out at the affected farm, and ring vaccination is ongoing in surrounding areas.
- Disposal and Decontamination: Supervised disposal of animal carcasses and environmental decontamination are underway to prevent the spread of spores.
- Quarantine: Quarantine restrictions have been imposed in the entire Kijongo Sub-County to contain the outbreak.
- Public Awareness: Community sensitisation on anthrax identification, prevention, and reporting is being conducted.
Public Advisory and Prevention
MAAIF urges farmers and the general public to adhere to the following guidelines:
- Report all sudden animal deaths immediately to your respective District Veterinary Officers.
- Cooperate fully with vaccination and animal movement control teams.
- Avoid handling or consuming meat from dead or visibly sick animals.
- Seek medical attention immediately if you have been exposed to dead animals and develop skin sores or fever.
- Purchase meat only from certified slaughter facilities under veterinary supervision.
- Refrain from carelessly opening animal carcasses to prevent environmental contamination.
- Rely only on official updates from MAAIF and local authorities, and avoid spreading unverified information.
Dr. Hilary Arinaitwe, the Ibanda District Veterinary Officer said that some cases were reported to his office and samples of meat suspected to be infected with anthrax were collected and sent to Uganda Virus Research Institute in Entebbe, for testing.
“Some cases were reported yesterday, and samples were taken to Entebbe so we are waiting for the results,” Arinaitwe said.
He appealed to all livestock farmers in the district to report any suspected cases of animal diseases as early as possible.
He added: “If farmers fail to comply with us, then we are going to enforce quarantine and they will not like it, especially that the festive season is drawing nearer.”
About anthrax
Anthrax is a zoonotic disease that affects both animals and humans. It does not spread from person-to-person but is contracted through contact with infected carcasses, consumption of contaminated meat, or inhalation of spores.
Forms of anthrax in humans:
- Cutaneous: Occurs via skin contact, often during slaughter or handling.
- Gastrointestinal: Occurs via ingestion of contaminated meat.
- Respiratory: Occurs via inhalation of spores, especially in industries handling animal by-products like leather or wool.
Prevention: Key control measures include annual livestock vaccination, safe carcass disposal, and public awareness. MAAIF leads national animal health surveillance and emergency response, working closely with the Ministry of Health and district authorities.
https://thecooperator.news/mass-testing-of-livestock-as-anthrax-outbreak-confirmed-in-bushenyi/
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