RUKUNGIRI – Farmers in Rukungiri District have been given a deadline of August 30, 2026, to vaccinate their livestock against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) or face prosecution and a total ban on the movement and sale of their animals.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The strict warning was issued by the District Veterinary Officer, Dr. Johnson Ninsiima, during an exclusive interview with this reporter at his office at the district headquarters.
Dr. Ninsiima said that the registration exercise of farmers for the FMD vaccination drive is ongoing and called on the remaining farmers to join the campaign before August 30 to protect their herds against the deadly animal disease.
He warned that whoever fails to come forward, pay the required fees, and have all their cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs vaccinated before the exercise concludes will have to face the consequences.
“Registration and vaccination are proceeding well, and I sincerely commend the proactive farmers who have already stepped forward to comply. However, for those who have not yet acted, time is running out. You must register, pay the required fees, and have your animals vaccinated before the deadline,” Dr. Ninsiima said.
Cue in: Dr. Ninsiima on Vaccination. Eng
The Veterinary Officer confirmed that Rukungiri is currently free of Foot-and-Mouth Disease, a testament to the effectiveness of prior interventions and the cooperation of responsible farmers.
He emphasized that the ongoing vaccination campaign is purely a preventive measure, strategically designed to maintain the district’s disease-free status and to protect the livestock sector from the disease.
“Rukungiri District does not have Foot-and-Mouth Disease right now, and that is because of the good work we have done together with our farmers. This vaccination campaign is just a safety measure. We want to keep the disease out and protect all livestock in the district,” Dr. Ninsiima added.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease is one of the most contagious animal diseases known, capable of crippling livestock production and trade within days of an outbreak.
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