Frank Tumwebaze, the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF), has asked the government to provide an additional budget so that 10 million doses of the foot and mouth disease vaccine can be purchased.
On January 1, 2024, during the plenary session of the Ugandan Parliament, the minister spoke on the Foot and Mouth Disease epidemic in the Cattle Corridor and the subsequent quarantine, stating that 44 million animals require vaccination against foot and mouth disease.
“For the bi-annual vaccination requirement, this requires an annual vaccine stock of 88 million doses at a cost of US$2 per dose, translating into $176 million,” according to Tumwebaze.
According to Tumwebaze, in the next one or two months, the ministry expects to receive and dispatch 2.3 million doses of the vaccine to these affected and susceptible districts for ring vaccination.
He added that if stakeholders can be disciplined and follow quarantine regulations, the disease will be confined in a very short period of time as the ministry waits for vaccines.
”Countries that have eradicated the disease prohibit trade with affected countries or those that control the disease through vaccination. The disease causes economic damage to farmers and the country by disrupting animal production. He added.
He also called on the district veterinary authority to maintain stringent disease surveillance, prompt reporting, transparency, and accountability in the administration of government-provided vaccines.
Tumwebaze stated that in order to cover all impacted and high-risk areas, the government must “support and equip district veterinary officials with disease surveillance tools.”
There are 36 districts currently affected and under quarantine following the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease. Which include Budaka, Bukedea, Bukomansimbi, Bunyangabu, Butaleja, Fortportal City, Gomba, and Ibanda.
According to Tumwebaze, districts neighbouring the affected districts are at high risk and are under strict surveillance.
Isingiro, Kabarole, Kasanda, Kayunga, Kazo, Kiboga, Kibuku, Kiruhura, Kumi, Kyankwanzi, Kyegegwa, Kyotera, Luuka, Lwengo, Lyantonde, Mbarara, Mbarara City, Mityrana, Mpigi, Mubende, Nakaseke, Nakasongola, Namisindwa, Ngora, Ntungamo, Rakai, Rwampara, and Sembabule, among others, are among the districts that have been advised to remain vigilant.
