By Andrew Nakhaboya
Lumpy skin disease is killing animals in Bududa district. The most affected villages include Bubulali North, Bulalali South, Namukhura and Bunabulwala all in Bunamubi parish, Bukigai sub-county.
Over 20 animals have so far died with more than 30 still sick. The infectious disease is caused by proxivirus and presents with signs of lumps on the animal skin, high temperature, enlarged superficial lymph nodes and loss of appetite.
According to Emmanuel Mukhowe, the local council chairperson for Namukhura village, they have so far lost five animals in the village with more than 10 still sick.
He also blamed the sub-county veterinary officers for being reluctant even when they were called to intervene, which he said is scaring them because the animals are continuing to die.
Mukhowe asked the district production officer or agriculture ministry to help them so that they can save the remaining animals.
Sarah Wazemba, a farmer from Bubulali north village, said she has tried to treat her animal, but the disease has not healed since last week yet it is the only animal she has at home.
She said it has now lost appetite and is not eating as usual. Wazemba requested the Government to impose quarantine that limits movement of animals from place to place because if they don’t, then their animals are all going to die.
Robert Natondo, the LC1 for Bubulali North village said since his neighbour lost his cow two days ago, animals in his village have been dying, with others very sick.
He said they were promised by the LC3 that their animals would be vaccinated, but they have waited in vain.
Dr Suzan Kibone Balibali, the district veterinary officer said, the disease spreads fast, most especially during the dry season when animals wander in communities in search of food.
She said it is a viral disease, which has no curative measure, but can be controlled by use of antibiotics, which take longer to heal the animal.
Dr Felix Odongo, the district production officer, asked farmers to also spray their animals so that they can get rid of the flies that are spreading the disease from animal to animal.
