FMD outbreak leaves over 20 animals dead in Namisindwa

Namisindwa, Uganda: Authorities in Namisindwa District have appealed for urgent government intervention following an outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) that has killed at least 20 domestic animals and infected dozens more across several sub-counties.

District leaders say the highly contagious livestock disease has spread rapidly over the past week, raising fears among farmers whose livelihoods largely depend on cattle, goats, sheep and pigs.

According to the District Secretary for Production, Works and Natural Resources, Bosco Wasieba, the outbreak has been confirmed in Namabya, Bukhaweka, Bukhaweka Town Council, Bukhabusi, Buwatuwa, Bumbo Town Council, Mukhuyu, Namisindwa Town Council and Bumityero.

Wasieba said the district has so far registered 81 suspected cases, with 18 confirmed animal deaths and 47 recoveries across the affected areas.

The official warned that the disease continues to pose a serious threat to livestock production and called on farmers to promptly report suspected infections to veterinary officers for immediate response.

Foot-and-Mouth Disease is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, buffaloes and deer. It is characterised by fever, excessive salivation, blisters in the mouth and on the feet, lameness, loss of appetite, reduced milk production and significant weight loss.

The virus spreads through direct contact between infected animals, contaminated animal products, equipment, vehicles, clothing and, in some cases, through airborne transmission over short distances.

Namisindwa District LCV Chairperson Emma Bwayo confirmed the outbreak, saying the district has already written to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) requesting urgent technical and veterinary support to contain the disease.

Bwayo urged livestock traders and farmers to suspend the movement of animals until further guidance is issued by the ministry, warning that uncontrolled livestock movement could accelerate the spread of the disease to neighbouring districts.

He also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and immediately notify veterinary authorities whenever animals develop symptoms associated with Foot-and-Mouth Disease.

The district chairperson said the district security committee is working jointly with the veterinary department under the Production Office to verify reported cases, compile accurate data and coordinate disease surveillance with extension workers in the affected communities.

The outbreak comes as Uganda continues implementing national measures to control recurrent outbreaks of Foot-and-Mouth Disease, which periodically affect livestock-producing districts and disrupt animal trade, milk production and household incomes.

Veterinary experts advise farmers to isolate infected animals, restrict livestock movement, disinfect animal housing and equipment, and avoid introducing new animals into affected herds until the outbreak is brought under control.