Uganda ramps up animal vaccination after anthrax outbreak

Summary:

• Uganda has intensified animal vaccinations in response to an anthrax outbreak in Kyotera, administering 10,000 doses to cattle while implementing measures to prevent the consumption of vaccinated animals, aiming to minimize infection risks and restricting the movement of animal products.

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Uganda has heightened its efforts to vaccinate animals in response to an anthrax outbreak, which has resulted in at least 18 fatalities in the central district of Kyotera.

John Lutaaya, the veterinary officer for Kyotera District, revealed in a recorded statement on Friday that they have received a supply of vaccines for 10,000 cattle from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries.

“We obtained 10,000 doses from the Ministry of Agriculture on Wednesday, and our veterinary team has already commenced administering the vaccine,” he stated. “Initially, our focus is on Kabira sub-county where the issue originated, but we will extend our efforts to Kasaali and Kasasa sub-counties.”

Lutaaya told Examiner that additional precautions have been implemented to ensure that vaccinated animals are not slaughtered for human consumption. He emphasized the 21-day interval between vaccination and safe consumption, expressing concerns about the potential risks associated with slaughtering animals in the incubation period.

To minimize the risk of infection, Lutaaya mentioned that authorities are restricting the movement of animal products. He urged communities to reduce the handling of raw milk, advising immediate boiling upon receipt.

President Yoweri Museveni had previously issued a warning on December 1, urging Kyotera residents to avoid consuming meat from unknown sources in light of the anthrax outbreak that occurred a month earlier. Anthrax is a bacterial infection caused by Bacillus anthracis and can be transmitted from animals to humans through the consumption of infected meat or physical contact.