Published on 17/07/2024
Uganda has reinenforced its fight against the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak with a new delivery of 3 million vaccine doses from Egypt. This shipment follows an initial batch received three months ago.
At Entebbe International Airport, the vaccines were welcomed by Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations. He was joined by Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries; Hon. Bright Rwamirama, Minister of State for Animal Industry; Maj. Gen. David Kasura Kyomukama, MAAIF Permanent Secretary and other senior officials.
This effort underscores Uganda’s commitment to eradicating Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak and protecting its livestock industry.
The FMD outbreak has led to a quarantine in 32 districts across Uganda causing significant distress in the cattle corridor. The affected districts include Luwero, Gomba, Isingiro, Kazo, Kiruhura, and Sembabule among others. To curb the spread of the disease, the Ministry of Agriculture has banned the movement of livestock and livestock products into, out of, or through these districts.
Uganda’s total susceptible animal herd requires 44 million doses of FMD vaccine annually, necessitating a bi-annual vaccination program costing $176 million per year. The recent vaccine shipments from Egypt will play a crucial role in supporting this effort.
The swift delivery of the vaccines is a result of the CDF’s engagement with Egyptian authorities, marking a significant milestone in Uganda’s efforts to combat FMD.
