By Flavia Ajok
Authorities in Hoima District have launched a massive goat vaccination campaign in Buseruka Sub County following a confirmed outbreak of Goat Plague, a highly contagious and deadly viral disease. The outbreak has affected villages including Kasenyi, Lyato, and Fofo landing site, where farmers reported the deaths of over 300 goats last week due to a strange illness.
According to reports, the infected goats showed symptoms such as diarrhea, coughing, sneezing, nasal and eye discharge, labored breathing, and swollen or sealed eyes—often dying shortly after these signs appeared. Following the reports, the Hoima District Veterinary Department collected samples and sent them to the National Animal Disease Diagnosis and Epidemiology Centre (NADDEC), which later confirmed the presence of Goat Plague, scientifically known as Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR).
Goat Plague is related to the rinderpest virus and primarily affects sheep and goats. It presents with fever, severe respiratory and digestive symptoms, and discharge that can crust over the eyes and nostrils, making breathing and vision difficult. According to scientists, most infected animals succumb to the disease without urgent intervention.
Dr. Patrick Ndorwa, the Hoima District Veterinary Officer (DVO), confirmed the diagnosis and said the district has started emergency vaccination of goats in the affected areas. “As of Monday afternoon, we had vaccinated 2,120 goats in Buseruka sub county,” Dr. Ndorwa said. He reassured farmers that the situation is now under control and urged them to remain calm as the vaccination campaign continues.
“We are urging all farmers in the affected areas to cooperate with the veterinary teams. The best way to contain this disease is through timely vaccination,” he added. This is not the first time Goat Plague has struck the region. In May 2021, more than 200 goats died at Mbegu landing site in Buseruka due to a similar outbreak. In November 2021, another wave of the disease killed over 300 goats, also in Buseruka.
Both incidents were eventually contained through mass vaccination efforts. Veterinary experts warn that due to the high mortality rate associated with Goat Plague, early detection and swift response are essential to minimizing losses.
