Fort Portal Tourism City has heightened surveillance following the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease- FMD. On Friday, the City authorities banned the sale and movement of livestock and their products to contain the spread of foot and mouth disease.
The Fort Portal City Veterinary Officer Gilbert Ategeka says that they have formed surveillance teams to inspect dairy outlets, butcher shops, hotels, and restaurants to ensure there is compliance.
Ategeka warned all farmers who have been grazing animals from public places and road reserves to immediately stop saying all animals are expected to be fed from home or on the farm.
Ategeka also told URN that lifting the quarantine is dependent on compliance with the set-out control measures to ensure there is no new infection. He asked the community to report any suspected sick animal and anyone faulting the guidelines.
Hajji Amis, one of the butchers in the city asks fellow dealers of livestock products to comply so that the disease can reduce in the area and the quarantine is lifted. In Kabarole, the disease, which primarily affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, goats, and sheep has so far spread to 15 lower local governments.
These include; Busoro and the neighbouring Rwengaju, Kibasi, Hakibale, Hurugonga, Kicwamba, Kasenda, Mugusu, and Karangura. Others area, Kibasi, Kabende, Kicwamba, and Kaijura, Kiko and Mugusu. Town councils.
The LC V chairperson Richard Rwabuhinga, says, the district has implemented a comprehensive awareness campaign to educate farmers and the general public about the signs and symptoms of Foot and Mouth Disease, as well as the importance of reporting any suspected cases promptly.
URN.