Quarantine imposed on livestock trade as FMD strikes Nebbi district
NEBBI, February 13, 2025 – Nebbi District authorities have suspended the sale of livestock, meat, and other animal products following an outbreak of foot and mouth disease [FMD] in the district.
According to officials from the Nebbi District Veterinary Department, the first case of FMD was reported in Lee Parish, Kucwiny Subcounty, towards the end of last year, with 26 mature animals confirmed dead.
Dr William Abedkane, the Nebbi District Veterinary Officer, explained to this reporter that the decease is prevalent in the nearby subcounties of Alala and Atego due to a boom in the livestock especially during the festive season.
“We have currently quarantined the sale of meat and restricted mass slaughter of animals to control the spread of the disease to other parts of the district,” stated Abedkane, adding that a temporary quarantine on the movement of animals in the district has been imposed.
“Technically, we have advised those trading in animal products to remain calm while the situation is being managed, in order to prevent significant losses of animals. In such outbreaks, public health must be prioritised over economic benefits,” he added.
According to the Veterinary Department, by November 27, 2024, 1,066 cattle had been confirmed as infected with FMD, and so far, 163 calves have died from the disease.
Okumu Alex, a farmer from Kucwiny Subcounty, expressed his frustration, saying that he has been unable to pay school fees for his children due to the quarantine on livestock sales.
“The current situation is very difficult for us parents who depend on livestock as the only source of income to pay school fees,” Okumu said.
Geoffrey Jalum, the Chairman of the Nebbi Butchery Association, appealed to the district authorities to allow butchers to slaughter animals imported from Lira district, as they are already offloaded at the abattoirs.
He added that butchers in Nebbi district are struggling to service their loans due to the temporary ban on the livestock trade.
https://thecooperator.news/livestock-farmers-to-pay-for-fmd-vaccines-under-new-government-policy/
Buy your copy of thecooperator magazine from one of our country-wide vending points or an e-copy on emag.thecooperator.news
Views: 0
