By Edna Piyic
Arua regional laboratory has confirmed the outbreak of goats’ plague in the districts of Terego, Madi-Okollo and Arua.
The disease presents sign of respiratory and breathing problems, loss of weight, diarrhea among others and has the incubation period of three weeks.
Last month Anyiribu sub-county in Madi-Okollo also faced an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease and is still under quarantine.
The in-charge Arua regional laboratory also the veterinary officer Arua district Willy Nguma said the disease affects the economic viability of an area due to the deaths that is easily recorded.
“This affects all stages of animals and we have realized that it is rampant in some communities within the region”, he said.
He explained that what is exacerbating the disease is the communal grazing system of animals in the districts.
“The people in this region have the mentality of grazing animals together which spreads the disease very fast”, he noted.
He said they are currently carrying out surveillance in the affected districts.
“We are telling animal keepers that when you see any signs of the disease please report so that we include it in a rumor register that we have opened”, he said.
Nguma also revealed that they received a total of 3,500 doses of vaccines for animals that have not yet contracted the disease.
He said the vaccines will be administered to areas that are highly prone or at risk of the disease.
He urged the public to use anti-biotics when they realize animals are presenting signs and symptoms of the disease.
“Please don’t sell your animals because this disease can be controlled by antibiotics if they are administered properly”, He revealed.
David Okech a farmer in Pakwach district said most goats are coughing and this forced them to sell the goats at a cheaper price.
However, the district veterinary officer Pakwach Robert Canpara revealed that he had not received any information from the sub county veterinary officer about the disease in Wadelai sub county.
