The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) on Thursday, 10th April 2025,delivered 19,200 doses of anthrax vaccine to Kabale District ,following a suspected outbreak of the deadly disease in Kyanamira Sub-county.
The Kabale District communications officer, Alex Byakatonda, confirmed that the vaccines arrived on Thursday evening and were received at the district headquarters by the Principal Assistant Secretary, the District Production Officer, the Senior Veterinary Officer, and a representative from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
The vaccination campaign is aimed at curbing further spread of the disease, which has so far claimed a number of livestock in Muyumbu Village, Muyumbu Parish.
Seven suspected human cases believed to have resulted from the handling and slaughter of infected animals have also been recorded.
Byakatonda said the vaccines will be administered to all healthy livestock in the affected areas as a preventive measure.
“This intervention is critical in stopping further transmission, especially as we await laboratory confirmation,” Byakatonda noted.
Samples from both livestock and human cases have been dispatched to the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) for testing.
Preliminary reports indicate that the first human case began showing symptoms on April 1, while livestock deaths date as far back as March 22.
District Veterinary Officer Dr. Lynn Anyongire confirmed that one of the affected individuals is currently receiving treatment at Kabale Regional Referral Hospital with symptoms consistent with cutaneous anthrax.
While the disease has not yet been officially confirmed, authorities are treating the situation with urgency.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has pledged continued support in disease surveillance and response coordination as part of its partnership with local and national government efforts.
Kabale District officials have urged farmers to report any sudden livestock deaths and avoid handling affected cases without proper protection.
