WAKISO: Panic Over Goat Disease Breakout

By Batte Musa._

There is growing panic among farmers in Wakiso District following the outbreak of peste des petits ruminants (PPR), a viral disease, that has claimed hundreds of goats and left several others undergoing treatment.

The disease is closely related to the rinderpest virus, that is according to information from Wakiso District veterinary officials.

Dr Andrew Kawango, the Wakiso District Veterinary Officer, says that the disease spread to the district through goats supplied by the government under the Goat Export Rollout project.

Dr Kawango says that they have already notified the authorities to provide vaccines for the remaining goats.

According to Dr Kawango, they have deployed veterinary officials to identify and treat infected goats. He blames the escalation of the problem on the shortage of veterinary workers and the sale of counterfeit veterinary drugs.

Ms Cate Namuddu, the Wakiso District Production Secretary, says that twenty five (25) out of the two hundred (200) goats distributed by the government have already succumbed to the disease.

Wakiso District LC V Chairperson, Matia Lwanga Bwanika, blamed the spread of the disease on the flawed procurement process.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), peste des petits ruminants (PPR), also known as sheep and goat plague, is a highly contagious animal disease affecting small ruminants.

PPR is characterized by severe morbidity and mortality rates, and has a high economic impact in areas of Africa, the Middle East and Asia, where small ruminants contribute greatly to supporting people’s livelihoods.