Written By | BK Mugizi
Sheema district Animal productionofficer Joel Nabaasa shows cattle infected with foot and mouth disease
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SHEEMA
Livestock farmers in Sheema District have been urged to embrace the ongoing vaccination campaign against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), with veterinary authorities warning that failure to vaccinate animals could result in heavy financial losses, movement restrictions, and possible confiscation of unvaccinated livestock.
The Sheema District Animal Production Officer, Joel Nabasa, said vaccination remains the most effective way of controlling the highly contagious viral disease, which affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs.
About Foot-and-Mouth Disease
Foot-and-Mouth Disease is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through direct contact between infected animals, contaminated equipment, vehicles, animal products, and, in some cases, through the air over short distances.
The disease causes fever, painful blisters in the mouth and on the feet, excessive salivation, lameness, and loss of appetite. It significantly reduces milk production, slows weight gain, and affects livestock productivity, leading to substantial economic losses for farmers.
Government Introduces Cost-Recovery Vaccination Programme
Nabasa said the Government has rolled out a cost-recovery vaccination programme under which farmers contribute part of the vaccination costs, while the Government provides vaccines, trained veterinary personnel, cold-chain facilities, and other logistical support.
Under the programme, farmers pay UGX 8,000 to vaccinate each cow and UGX 4,000 for each goat, sheep, or pig.
"The cost-recovery programme is intended to ensure that vaccination remains sustainable and that sufficient resources are available to protect livestock from future outbreaks," Nabasa said.
Farmers Warned Against Skipping Vaccination
Nabasa warned that farmers who fail to vaccinate their animals risk having them confiscated under animal disease control regulations.
"Livestock owners whose animals are vaccinated will receive vaccination certificates, which will allow them to transport their animals and animal products to markets without restrictions," he said.
He encouraged farmers to seek guidance from veterinary officers at their respective sub-county headquarters and the District Production Office, noting that vaccination begins immediately after payment.
2024 Outbreak Caused Losses
According to Nabasa, the 2024 Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak in Sheema District claimed the lives of more than 20 cattle, while 526 infected animals recovered after treatment and supportive veterinary care.
He said the district is determined to prevent another outbreak through timely vaccination and increased farmer awareness.
"We urge all livestock farmers to vaccinate their animals because prevention is far cheaper than dealing with an outbreak. Vaccination protects animals, safeguards farmers' incomes, and keeps livestock markets open," Nabasa said.
