By Johnson Kanyesige
More than 15 goats have died by the fresh outbreak of the Goat Plague in Nyakarongo Sub-County Kagadi district.
Goat Plague is a viral disease related to the rinderpest of sheep as well as goats. It is characterized by fever, cough, very bad-smelling breath, diarrhoea and discharge from the eyes and nose, which can form a crust, making breathing difficult and forcing eyes shut.
According to scientists, most sheep and goats that show signs of the disease will die.
In Nyakarongo Sub-County, the goats started dying a week ago leaving many goat farmers stranded.
The worst-hit areas include Bufundi, Bweema A and B in Kisungu parish where the outbreak began a week ago.
The farmers in the area are concerned over the massive death of the animal’s on which they had invested a lot of money, some of which was acquired from the Parish Development Modal program.
However, Lawrence Niwagaba, the Nyakarongo Sub-County veterinary officer has confirmed the outbreaks as Goat Plague (Peste des petits ruminants), that has killed animals in Greater Bwikara, Nyakarongo Sub-County inclusive.
He blames farmers for not responding to the government calls of animal vaccination, adding that a few who manage to vaccinate their livestock use untrained personnel.
Niwagaba advises farmers to always vaccinate their animals with the help of trained veterinary doctors and take proactive, preventative measures to reduce the risk of animal diseases on their farms.
He says that the outbreak would be contained through a mass vaccination campaign.
