The government has taken a decisive step in the battle against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) by approving a comprehensive strategy presented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF).
This pivotal decision was reached during a Cabinet sitting at State House Entebbe, with the strategy targeting short, medium, and long-term goals in the fight against FMD.
Announcing the decisions, Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries, Frank Tumwebaze, highlighted the key components of the approved strategy.
Immediate actions include the procurement of 10 million doses of FMD vaccines, aiming to scale up ring vaccination in both affected and high-risk neighboring districts.
Additionally, the government is set to establish a revolving fund for the periodic procurement of sufficient FMD vaccines, supporting compulsory bi-annual vaccination for the susceptible domestic animal population. A significant policy proposition mandates farmers to contribute financially to the cost of FMD vaccines, with the government covering administration, transportation, and storage expenses.
Once the revolving fund is operational and an ample vaccine supply is secured, the Cabinet has resolved to make vaccination of all susceptible domestic animals compulsory. This move will be reinforced by requiring farmers to provide proof of vaccination as a precondition for selling any animal or animal products.
Minister Tumwebaze appealed to livestock farmers and stakeholders, urging them to comprehend and appreciate the government’s efforts in the collective goal of eradicating FMD in Uganda.
He drew parallels with the successful eradication of other animal diseases, like rinderpest, in the nation’s history.
The urgency to address FMD was underscored by recent cases reported in several districts, including Budaka, Bukedea, Bukomansimbi, Butaleja, Fort Portal City, Gomba, and Isingiro.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, directed MAAIF to provide an explanation of the progress made in containing the disease. The affected farmers, whose livelihoods depend on these animals, require immediate intervention.
Concerns have been raised about the quarantine enforced by the Ministry, affecting movement in 32 districts where FMD has been detected. The quarantine restricts the movement of livestock and livestock products into and out of these districts, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
Uganda, with approximately 40 million livestock, faces the challenge of FMD, a viral disease causing fever and blister-like sores on cloven-hoofed livestock and wildlife.
The disease leads to severe production losses, emphasizing the significance of the government’s proactive strategy in safeguarding the nation’s agricultural sector.
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