The National Animal Disease Diagnostics and Epidemiology Centre have confirmed an outbreak of Peste des Petits Ruminants Virus (PPRV), commonly known as goat plague, and Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia (CCPP) in Kabale District.
The confirmation follows growing concerns raised by local leaders and livestock farmers after suspected cases of CCPP were reported earlier this month, with several goats and sheep reportedly dying in affected areas.
CCPP is a highly infectious disease that mainly affects goats and sheep. It is caused by Mycoplasma capricolum subspecies capripneumoniae and spreads mainly through respiratory droplets, particularly in environments with poor hygiene. Common symptoms include nasal discharge, high fever, loss of appetite, coughing, weakness, and breathing difficulties.
According to the Kabale District Veterinary Officer, Dr. Angella Anyongyeire, laboratory results from samples collected from Kitumba and Kyanamira sub-counties and submitted to the National Animal Disease Diagnostics and Epidemiology Centre confirmed the outbreak.
Dr. Anyongyeire said all fifteen samples tested positive for PPRV, while two samples also tested positive for CCPP, raising concerns about the spread of the diseases beyond the sampled areas.
She cautioned that although samples were collected from only two sub-counties, the outbreak poses a district-wide threat and urged farmers to immediately strengthen biosecurity measures to protect their animals and livelihoods.
Dr. Anyongyeire advised livestock farmers to avoid communal grazing, isolate sick animals, disinfect shared watering points, and prevent mixing herds from different households as key preventive measures.
She also revealed that the district is preparing for a district-wide vaccination campaign targeting goats and sheep, though she did not disclose specific operational details. She urged farmers to actively participate in the exercise, noting that vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent further livestock losses.
CUE IN ANYONGYEIRE……ON THE OUTBREAK…. RR/ENG//
Earlier this Month, the Nyombe Parish Councillor Dickson Kamuhanda of Kahungye Sub-County reported that approximately 70 sheep and goats had died in Nyombe Village within the last six months.
Meanwhile, a resident of Kasiru Village in Nyombe Parish, Leo Tumwikiriize Vanansi, said he lost all nine of his goats to the disease, leaving him without any livestock. In addition, Moses Kajura, the LC I Chairperson of Bugandaaro Village in Kacereere Town Council, Rubanda District, reported that more than 30 goats had died in his village.
