Local leaders and livestock farmers in Kabale and Rubanda districts have raised concern over a suspected outbreak of Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia-CCPP, which has reportedly killed several goats and sheep in the area.
CCPP is a highly infectious disease that affects goats and sheep. It is caused by Mycoplasma capricolum subspecies capripneumoniae and spreads mainly through droplets from nasal discharge, especially in areas with poor hygiene. Common symptoms include nasal discharge, high fever, weakness, loss of appetite, coughing, and breathing difficulties.
The Nyombe Parish Councilor for Kahungye Sub- County in Kabale District, Dickson Kamuhanda, says many residents who depended on goats and sheep for their livelihoods have been left devastated after losing all their animals. He reports that at least 70 goats and sheep have died in Nyombe Village over the past six months due to the suspected disease.
One of the affected farmers, Leo Tumwikiriize Vanansi from Kasiru Village in Nyombe Parish, says all his nine goats died recently, leaving him without any livestock. He adds that the disease has persisted in the area for about six months.
Meanwhile, the Bugandaaro Village LC I Chairperson in Kacereere Town Council, Rubanda District, Moses Kajura, reports that more than 30 goats have died in his village alone. Local leaders are calling for urgent intervention by veterinary officers, noting that once goats or sheep develop nasal discharge, death often occurs within four days.
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The Kabale District Veterinary Officer, Dr. Angella Anyongyeire, has confirmed the suspected outbreak. She says samples have already been collected from affected animals and submitted to the National Animal Disease Diagnostics and Epidemiology Centre, with results expected within a week.
Dr. Anyongyeire has advised animal keepers to promptly consult veterinary officers in their respective areas, for guidance on disease prevention and proper livestock management.
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