Following the outbreak of Food and Mouth Disease (FMD) two months ago, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF) delivered 10,000 doses of vaccines to Alebtong District.
David Kennedy Odongo, Alebtong District Chairperson, confirmed receipt of the consignment, noting that they hope the ministry will add more doses to vaccinate animals around the district.
“The Ministry of Agriculture has now delivered 10,000 doses of Foot and Mouth Disease vaccines and 1,350 doses of bronchitis, for the vaccination against Black Quarter Disease and anthrax,” he said.
According to Francis Ogwang, the Chairperson of the Adwir sub-county, there is urgency in implementing the vaccination exercise since farmers need their oxen to plough.
Dr. Charles Noki, the District Veterinary Officer, says the vaccination exercise will begin once the district obtains the necessary resources.
However, due to the laxity of the locals, the disease spread to the sub counties of Angetta, Amugu Town Council, and Omoro.
The Chairperson of Omoro sub-county, Isaac Apenyo, is hopeful that upon vaccination, farmers will be able to sell the animals and send their children back to school on time.
The district confirmed the outbreak of the disease in the areas of Adwir, Okomo, Alololo, and Ocokober in Adwir sub-county in March, prompting a temporary quarantine in the affected areas.
The area has also been battling anthrax and Black Quarter Disease since last year.