Authorities in Kamwenge District have temporarily closed all livestock markets following concerns over a possible outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in neighbouring districts.
The directive was issued after a consultative meeting involving veterinary experts and district leaders, aimed at preventing the spread of the highly contagious livestock disease into Kamwenge.
According to the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Kamwenge District, Afrikano Aharikundira, the decision followed alerts from veterinary teams warning of a heightened risk of cross-border transmission, prompting authorities to take urgent preventive measures to protect livestock farmers and the district’s economy.
Aharikundira said the temporary closure is intended to contain any potential spread of the disease as surveillance, monitoring, and response efforts are intensified across the district.
He explained that the move was informed by technical guidance from veterinary officers and agreed upon during a district coordination meeting involving key stakeholders.
The RDC has since urged livestock farmers to suspend unnecessary animal movement, promptly report suspected cases to veterinary authorities, and strictly comply with all control measures.
He warned that enforcement teams will be deployed to ensure full adherence to the directive until the threat is effectively contained, emphasizing the district’s commitment to safeguarding animal health and farmers’ livelihoods.
