A highly contagious viral disease, Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) has swept through Kabarole District, resulting in the deaths of at least 553 goats across 116 farms.
The situation is reportedly dire, affecting four sub-counties and one town council, leaving a significant blow to the livelihoods of local farmers.
Dr. Dean Tugume Kusiimakwe the principal veterinary officer of Kabarole confirmed the situation stating that on April 21, 2025, farmers across 116 farms have lost up to a total of 553 goats, and that the most hit is Rwengaju Sub County, registering 502 goats’ deaths.
“The affected animals exhibited a range of distressing symptoms, including high fever, persistent coughing, nasal discharge, painful mouth sores, severe diarrhea, blindness, and, tragically, sudden death,” Dr. Kusiimakwe said.
Dr. Tukasiimakwe stated that, at the onset of the problem, blood samples were collected on March 14 from the initially affected areas of Harugongo and Rwengaju ,and were dispatched to the National Animal Disease Diagnostic Center for analysis.
While initial tests ruled out Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia (CCPP), subsequent tests conducted on April 8 revealed that 7 out of 14 swab samples tested positive for the devastating PPR virus.
“To effectively contain this outbreak and prevent further spread, we have launched extensive awareness campaigns through stakeholder meetings and informative radio talk shows,” Dr. Tukasiimakwe explained.
According to Richard Rwabuhinga, the Kabarole District Chairman, the first signs of the disease emerged around March 11, following reports from concerned farmers.
He noted that the outbreak’s origin appears to be linked to a recent distribution of over 600 goats through a livelihood initiative by BRAC Uganda Limited, aimed at bolstering household incomes.
The goats were allegedly sourced from Ngora District, which is now under suspicion as the source of the deadly virus.
“Over 90 percent of the goats that were distributed to our beneficiaries have succumbed to this disease. Sadly, the few that managed to survive have now spread the virus to our local goat breeds,” Rwabuhinga lamented.
Although BRAC initially indicated that the distributed goats underwent vaccination prior to transportation,district leaders have raised about a possible failure or ineffectiveness of the Vaccine.
In response,BRAC has since acknowledged the severity of the situation and pledged to provide support in managing the unfolding crisis.
Dorothy Nassozi Kisarale, the communications officer for BRAC Uganda, clarified that the goats in question were procured from Ngora after no local suppliers responded to an advertised tender.
She assured that affected farmers will receive compensation following a thorough verification process, noting that each beneficiary had received two goats as part of the 684 goats procured under the program.
The district and affected farmers now face the arduous task of containing the outbreak and rebuilding their livestock populations.
In response to the escalating crisis, the district has initiated disease surveillance and comprehensive risk assessments.
Farmers are being strongly urged to enhance farm hygiene practices, promptly treat any infected animals, and immediately report any suspected cases to the authorities.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries has stepped in to provide much-needed support, supplying 10,000 doses of the PPR vaccine.
So far, 7,800 of these doses have been administered in the affected communities in an effort to protect healthy animals.
The remaining doses are set to be distributed in the coming weeks, ensuring that all at-risk livestock receive the necessary vaccinations. Additionally, educational workshops are being organized to inform farmers about best practices for disease prevention and management.
Authorities have issued a stern warning to farmers against consuming meat from animals that have died or are infected with PPR, citing potential health risks.
Furthermore, a temporary ban on the movement and sale of goats within the district has been imposed to prevent the disease from spreading to unaffected areas. Consequently, the issuance of goat movement permits has been temporarily suspended.
