Kanungu District Bans Livestock Movement and Consumption Amidst Anthrax Outbreak, 3 Dead, 30 Infected

Summary:

• “Tests conducted on samples from the infected individuals revealed that two people, including the deceased, tested positive for anthrax. Another patient with similar symptoms died at Kambuga Hospital on Tuesday evening, raising the death toll to three, with 30 cumulative suspected infections”. RDC Mwesigye said.

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KANUNGU: Authorities in Kanungu District have temporarily banned the movement, sale, and consumption of livestock, including cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, and their products, following an anthrax outbreak.

According to Ambrose Mwesigye, the Chairperson of the District Task Force and Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Kanungu, the ban will remain in place until further notice.

“Veterinary and human health teams are currently working to contain the situation”. RDC Mwesigye said.

The ban comes in response to livestock farmers in Kambuga, Bugongi, Katete, and Nyakinoni reporting cattle deaths due to a suspected disease that exhibited clostridial-like symptoms.

RDC Mwesigye stated that samples were collected and sent to the government laboratory for investigation. The community was also advised to bury carcasses and avoid consuming meat from the dead animals.

However, RDC Mwesigye noted that some residents defied these warnings and subsequently began developing symptoms consistent with anthrax.

He confirmed that one individual, whose identity has been withheld, passed away, while the number of suspected infections had risen to 30 by Tuesday.

“Tests conducted on samples from the infected individuals revealed that two people, including the deceased, tested positive for anthrax. Another patient with similar symptoms died at Kambuga Hospital on Tuesday evening, raising the death toll to three, with 30 cumulative suspected infections”. RDC Mwesigye said.

RDC Mwesigye added that authorities have informed the relevant ministries and agencies about the outbreak.

“We have conducted five radio talk shows and held a local media briefing to raise awareness about the outbreak. The matter has been discussed in one District Security Committee meeting and one District Council session, with security and health teams intensifying surveillance internally, as well as at cross-boundary and cross-border levels. We continue to monitor the situation, and tonight we are hosting another radio talk show to increase awareness,” Mwesigye said in a statement on Tuesday.