Authorities in Ibanda District have suspended livestock-related activities in several areas following a suspected outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), raising concerns over the spread of the highly contagious animal disease.
In a notice dated November 3, 2026, the District Veterinary Officer, Dr Arinaitwe Hillary, said new suspected cases had been reported at a farm belonging to George Rubabinda in Rwamagandu Ward, Kanyarugiri Town Council.
The suspected outbreak was traced to a cow reportedly brought from Rwempiri Cell in Kazo Town Council, raising fears that the disease could spread to other livestock farms and neighbouring areas.
In a bid to contain the suspected outbreak, the district has ordered the immediate closure of Kanyarugiri livestock market.
Authorities have also suspended slaughter activities involving pigs, cattle, goats and sheep in Nyamarebe, Rushango and Kanyarugiri Town Council.
The movement of animals and their products into and out of the affected areas has equally been prohibited, while the sale of milk in the affected areas has been suspended as a precautionary measure.
However, the district has urged farmers to continue enrolling their animals for vaccination under the compulsory vaccination programme targeting susceptible livestock.
Dr Arinaitwe said samples had been collected and submitted to the National Animal Disease Diagnostics and Epidemiology Centre (NADDEC) through the hub at Ruhoko Health Centre IV for laboratory confirmation.
The measures are intended to prevent further transmission as veterinary authorities await laboratory results to establish whether the suspected cases are indeed Foot-and-Mouth Disease.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, pigs, goats and sheep. It can spread rapidly through infected animals, contaminated equipment, animal products and other means of contact.
Farmers have been urged to observe the restrictions and cooperate with veterinary authorities to contain the suspected outbreak.
