Government lifts livestock quarantine in Gulu and Nwoya

By Tolit Ivan

The Government through the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industries and Fisheries has finally lifted the livestock quarantine that was imposed in Gulu and Nwoya district since July last year.

The quarantine was imposed in the two districts last year July following the outbreak of foot and mouth disease in the sub counties of Anaka and Purongo while in Gulu district in the sub counties of Paicho, Palaro, Patiko, Awach and Omel Sub County.

In a communication released on Monday 24^th January,2022 by Dr  James Kakungulu ,the Commissioner Animal Health  said that  the animal movement restrictions that have been in place  since then, increased community awareness about Foot and Mouth Disease that  helped to  ring vaccinations  in the affected areas bringing the disease under control.

He said following reports by the district Foot and Mouth Disease status report and field findings of the Ministerial team that was in the district since December,2021, it was  found out that the disease is no more.

Kakungulu  in his letter he  disclosed that   the purpose of his communication therefore, was  to inform the general public that the quarantine restrictions imposed on Nwoya district and Gulu  were  lifted under the following conditions which include adherence  to the guidelines on delivery of veterinary services during COVID-19 Pandemic’ also, adherence and implementation of  all the requisite Animal laws in liaison with other stakeholders.

Foot-and-mouth disease is a severe and highly transmissible viral disease that attacks cattle, sheep, and goats, among other animals.