Foot & Mouth Disease Outbreak Sparks Fear Among Livestock Farmers in Sembabule

Livestock farmers in Uganda's Sembabule District are grappling with a Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak that has spread among cattle in several communities. The disease has raised significant fears of further livestock losses and economic hardship for farmers who rely heavily on their animals for income.

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We started seeing signs of the disease after the new cattle arrived. Some of our animals have developed symptoms while others have died. We are worried because livestock is our only source of income.

The outbreak appears to have originated in Lyengoma Village, Ntyazo Parish, shortly after a herd of cattle was reportedly brought into the area from Mubende District and introduced onto contested grazing land. Residents have observed symptoms consistent with the highly contagious viral disease in their animals, and some have reportedly died. This has led to disruptions in farming activities, with some livestock keepers abandoning grazing areas due to concerns about the disease's spread.

"We started seeing signs of the disease after the new cattle arrived. Some of our animals have developed symptoms while others have died. We are worried because livestock is our only source of income," said farmer John Badiidi. The situation is compounded by longstanding disputes over access to grazing land, with residents suggesting that the introduction of new cattle exacerbated pressure on these contested resources.

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We appeal to government to urgently intervene with vaccination and treatment programmes. We also want the cattle suspected to have introduced the disease removed from the area.

Affected farmers are appealing to veterinary authorities and the government for immediate intervention. They are requesting intensified vaccination campaigns and disease-control measures to prevent further transmission. "We appeal to government to urgently intervene with vaccination and treatment programmes. We also want the cattle suspected to have introduced the disease removed from the area," said Umar Kalanzi, another resident.

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The cattle were examined by veterinary officers before they were moved. Claims that they brought the disease are not true.

However, the owner of the cattle implicated in the outbreak has denied responsibility. "The cattle were examined by veterinary officers before they were moved. Claims that they brought the disease are not true," the owner stated in a telephone interview. Veterinary officials, including Dr. James Ssengendo Muwanga, confirmed receiving complaints and conducting inspections. While initial examinations of the accused cattle did not reveal visible FMD signs, Dr. Muwanga noted that the disease has been reported in neighboring livestock markets. District authorities have warned traders against moving animals from affected areas without clearance, and security teams are monitoring livestock movements.

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We examined the animals and did not find any visible signs of Foot-and-Mouth Disease among them. However, the disease has previously been reported in neighbouring livestock markets, including those in Mubende and Lyantonde districts.