By Samuel Nkuba
Farmers on Bukasa island in Kyamuswa sub-county in Kalangala district are worried over a disease that attacked their kraals and killed over 150 cows in five days.
Farmers allege that their animals started dying on last Sunday. Three died on Angello Kasawuli’s farm and two on Nalongo Nkunyinji’s farm.
So far farmers have lost over 10 cows on different farms. Angello narrated that their animals experience weakness, get swollen faces and eventually after two days, they die.
“We have tried to engage the veterinary officers about this but after some treatment to our animals, the disease becomes resistant, animals continue to die,” said Kasawuli.
When slaughtered, residents said that they discovered some water in these animal’s stomachs.
Godfrey Mukasa the sub-county veterinary officer said the disease might be a result of ticks.
“I advise farmers to effectively spray their animals against ticks using certified drugs because all signs indicate that they are attacked by anaplasmosis,” said Mukasa
We also advise our farmers to stop the tendency of smuggling animals into the islands before informing the vet officers to scrutinize them so that they don’t bring in infected cows from other districts.
Mukasa has warned farmers who eat carcasses that they are exposing their bodies to animal diseases which might break out into them any time.
