The Authorities in Katakwi District have confirmed that foot and Mouth disease has been detected in various sub counties in the district.
The most affected Sub Counties include; Ongongoja, Kapujan, parts of Katakwi and Toroma.
William Omeke the Chairperson LCIII Ongongoja Sub County while speaking on Friday in Ongongoja SS said that the district has been hit by foot and mouth disease while expressing worry that this might affect movement of cattle in the coming weeks.
He called on the Ministry of Agriculture to supply the district with pesticides in order to combat the spread of the disease.
He also asked the authorities not to impose Animal quarantine as this may affect animal trade during the festive season.
Omeke on the other hand asked the security to reign on the Karamojongs’ and Ballalo cattle pastrolists that he says have invaded the grazing lands in Ongongoja.
Geofrey Omolo the District LCV Katakwi also said that the district registered its first cases of foot and mouth last month but the trend has been increasing.
He however said that they have written to the Ministry of Agriculture and vaccines have been provided to enable veterinary department commence with treatment of animals.
Last year, Katakwi district was again hit by foot and mouth disease that led to the imposing of animal quarantine.
Vice President Jessica Alupo also Katakwi District Woman MP further asked the district leaders to detect hotspots and make sure that timely treatment of animals is done.
History of Foot and Mouth Disease in Uganda.
The first FMD outbreak in Uganda was recorded in 1953. Since then, the outbreaks occur annually.
In 2014, FMD hit about 30 districts across the country and the government imposed quarantine on the sale of beef and other dairy products. The quarantine was lifted six months later.
The disease struck again last year and several livestock farmers in the cattle corridor districts lost a number of animals.