Warom Felix Okello
15 August 2008
Adjumani — Veterinary authorities in Adjumani have indefinitely banned transportation of cattle into the district. The ban follows an outbreak of Contagious Bovine Pleuro Pneumonia (CBPP) disease that has killed at least 250 heads of cattle in the district.
Veterinary authorities said the disease could have been imported due to the high influx of cattle from Western Uganda. The resolution was passed on August 12, as a control measure to stop further spread. Some of the symptoms of the disease include swollen body parts.
Kiforo Sub county is the worst affected. The district council has also closed all livestock markets in the district. "The Veterinary Department could not secure vaccines to start the vaccination exercise because it was stuck financially," the district Veterinary Officer Mr Christopher Dratele said.
He added that the vaccination of cattle has started especially in the worst affected sub county. He said that some of the affected animals may become greatly emaciated and die but others, especially those that have passed the acute stages, may recover with vaccination.
Many locals in the district depend on sale of animals because of its high demand especially in Southern-Sudan. The closure of the livestock markets means that people have to find an alternative source of income
Veterinary authorities blame the epidemic on lack of a clear disease-control policy, uncontrolled cattle movements, lack of public awareness and commitment, and ineffective legislation. Dr Dratele said his department is going to deal with the epidemic in 2 to 3 days.
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