By Longino Muhindo
NTOROKO: The ministry of agriculture, animal industry and fisheries has lifted quarantine restrictions which were imposed in Ntoroko district following an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in the areas of Bweramule,Butungama,Rwebisengo, Kanara sub counties and Kibuku town council.
According to Dr Rose Anne , the commissioner animal health, the animal movement restrictions that have been in force since July last year then coupled with increased community awareness about FMD and the strategic vaccinations carried out in the affected areas have brought the disease under control
“the ministry prohibited movement of cattle, goats, sheep, pigs and their products from, to, through and within the affected areas as prescribed by the animal diseases Act Cap 38, the purpose of this communication, therefore, is to inform you that the quarantine restrictions have been lifted with immediate effect”, a letter from the ministry signed by Dr Anne reads in part.
Murugi Byesi, a cattle keeper from Kibuku town council says sensitization and vaccination campaign by the district leadership has enabled him to fight the disease.
“My two cows were killed by this disease but I think it has now been contained, I thank the government for their quick intervention”, said Murugi
However, Charles Mujungu Kasoro the chairperson of Rwebisengo cattle keepers association in Rwebisengo Sub County said they now have a problem of drought that has caused scarcity of water and pasture for the animals.
“We trek long distances daily searching for water, the place is very dry, our animals are dying, we ask government to provide us with water from river Muzizi”, Kasoro said
