The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries has lifted the quarantine on movement of animals and animal products from Lyantonde, Sembabule, Kyegegwa and Gomba districts.
Last year in June, the same ministry issued restricting orders banning the movement of animals or their products from some specific sub-counties in these four districts. This was due to reports from district veterinary officers alleging to the outbreak of outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease (FMD
However, many local and some political leaders opposed this move saying that it was intended to stop them from trading their animals. Then state Minister for Animal industry Joy Kabatsi ordered the arrest of anyone caught moving animals.
According to Kabatsi, because FMD is a contagious disease, all animals in the suspected areas were stopped from movement to conduct a massive vaccination exercise.
On Tuesday while addressing journalists at Uganda Media Centre, Minister of Agriculture Vincent Ssempijja confirmed to the public that following the mass vaccination, it was confirmed that the areas which were put under quarantine are free from FMD.
“The department of animal health carried this activity and the results were examined critically and were found negative of Foot and Mouth disease,” said Ssempijja.
He added that “Because of these results, we announce lifting of all quarantine restrictions. These sub-counties are with immediate effect at liberty to participate in trade of animals and animal products while observing the mandatory rules that govern the movement of animals and animal products in the country.”
The sub-counties whose quarantine has been lifted are Kabulasoke in Gomba, Kabula in Lyantonde, Lugusulu in Sembabule, Luyonza and Ngobbo in Kyegegwa district.
Do you have a story in your community or an opinion to share with us: Email us at editorial@watchdoguganda.com
