By Stephen Kabindi
Livestock farmers in Kijunjubwa sub-county, Masindi district are counting losses after an outbreak of lumpy skin disease.
The disease presents with symptoms of large firm nodules on the skin and high fever, leading to death.
Geoffrey Mureire, a resident of Nyinezara village in Kijunjubwa sub-county says he has so far lost five cows which have been giving him milk.
He wondered how he would be able to pay the school fees of his children since he had lost his source of income.
Mureire who is in his 60s blames the district veterinary department for doing less or nothing as they lose their animals.
He says in previous times whenever animals would be attacked by the disease, the government would through veterinary doctors vaccinate the animals which is not the case today.
Ephraim Nankunda, a resident of Kyarutanga says he has lost four heifers to lumpy skin disease and calls on the government to come to their rescue and vaccinate their animals.
The Masindi district Veterinary Officer (DVO), Dr Fredrick Ssebuguzi, acknowledges that the disease has affected farmers in the district.
He says animals with lumpy skin disease possess signs of swelling of the skin, high fever and loss of appetite which at times kills animals, mainly young ones.
Dr Ssebuguzi, however, denies the accusation that the veterinary department has not done anything to contain the disease.
“We have vaccinated very many animals in the district,” he said calling on farmers to vaccinate their animals and always inform his office for action.
The areas affected are Nyinezara, Kyarutanga, Kizimwe, Kaikuku and Omwiguru villages all in Kijunjubwa sub-county.
