Jinja: The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF) has officially lifted the quarantine restrictions on the movement of animals in Jinja city. This move comes after the successful containment of the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak in the Budondo area of Jinja’s Northern Division.
In July 2023, MAAIF imposed strict quarantine measures to prevent the spread of FMD. These measures included a ban on the movement of cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, and their products within, to, from, and through the affected areas, in accordance with the Animal Act, Cap 38.
The decision to lift the animal movement restrictions follows a series of strategic actions that brought the FMD outbreak under control. The Jinja City leadership, in collaboration with other stakeholders, played a pivotal role in raising community awareness about FMD and conducting targeted ring vaccination campaigns in the affected areas.
A letter issued by Mr. Edward Lwanga, the Jinja City Clerk, officially notifies the public of the quarantine’s removal. Dr. James Kakungulu, the Commissioner for Animal Health at MAAIF in Entebbe, made the directive to lift the quarantine.
Speaking at a meeting with animal dealers in Budondo, Dr. Aaron Kasuku, the Jinja City Veterinary Officer, commended MAAIF for providing 15,000 doses of vaccines, which played a crucial role in the successful vaccination of animals across Jinja. This vaccination effort covered affected areas such as Budondo, Mafubira, Namulesa Wanyange, Bugembe, and Masese, among others.
Dr. Kasuku expressed confidence in the effectiveness of the disease control measures, noting that both healthy and affected animals received the necessary treatment. With the removal of the quarantine, traders, butchers, and milk dealers can resume their activities, provided they adhere to the guidelines set by the Ministry and the Government of Uganda.
