The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) has activated comprehensive emergency response measures following an official confirmation of anthrax outbreak in Ibanda District.
In a statement released on Monday, 20 October 2025, the Ministry confirmed the outbreak follows reports of seven sudden cattle deaths in Birongo 1, Rwambu Parish, with four individuals developing cutaneous anthrax symptoms after contact with infected animals.
According to Permanent Secretary of MAAIF Maj Gen David Kasura-Kyomukama, government has already deployed a multi-sectoral team to the affected area and activated our emergency response plan to contain this outbreak
“The situation is under control, and we are taking all necessary measures to protect both animal and human health,” he said.
The ministry’s response includes coordinated veterinary and public health investigations, with samples dispatched to laboratories for confirmatory testing. Emergency vaccination teams have been mobilized to implement ring vaccination around the outbreak epicenter.
“Our teams are conducting ring vaccination of livestock in the affected and surrounding areas to create a buffer zone. Quarantine restrictions have been imposed in Kijongo Sub-County to control animal movement and prevent further transmission,” Maj Gen Kasura-Kyomukama noted.
The ministry has implemented supervised disposal protocols for infected carcasses to prevent soil contamination from anthrax spores, which can remain viable in the environment for decades.
“The supervised disposal of carcasses and environmental decontamination are paramount to preventing long-term persistence of anthrax spores in the environment,” Maj Gen Kasura-Kyomukama explained.
Health authorities have issued urgent advisories to the public, stressing the importance of sourcing meat exclusively from certified slaughterhouses operating under veterinary supervision.
However, the ministry strongly warns against handling or consuming meat from animals that have died suddenly. Community sensitization teams are actively educating residents in affected areas about anthrax recognition, prevention measures, and proper reporting procedures.
The ministry emphasizes that anthrax represents a persistent threat to both animal and human health in Uganda. Annual livestock vaccination, proper carcass disposal, and public awareness remain fundamental to outbreak prevention.
Individuals who have had contact with dead animals and develop skin sores or fever are urged to seek immediate medical attention.
For ongoing updates, the public is advised to rely exclusively on official communications from MAAIF and local health authorities.
The ministry has established dedicated communication channels through its Public Relations Manager and the Commissioner for Animal Production and Health to address public inquiries and provide accurate information about the evolving situation.
