Livestock farmers in Mbarara city have been placed on alert over the resurgence of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in the area notable, an animal quarantine has also been instituted.

The affected areas are Rwenjeru, Ruti, Nyarubanga, Rwakishakiizi, Bunusya and Rwemigiina wards all In Mbarara city. Mbarara City Production Officer, Dr.Moses Amanyire, says FMD was first detected among cattle in Bunusya ward in Mbarara city North division last week. He revealed that when the City Veterinary team conducted tests, over 20 heads of cattle across the city tested positive for FMD disease.

Dr. Amanyire further noted that they have now stopped the transportation of animals and animal products in the city to curb the spread of this disease. The move comes barely one week after the ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) slapped an animal quarantine on Mbarara city and the District over the disease.

The closure of livestock markets with only one week until the opening of the New Year academic term, according to the farmers and traders in the area, is a big blow to parents who sell animals in order to raise school fees.

Robert Mugabe kakyebezi the mayor Mbarara city, wants the government to provide FMD vaccination doses for all animals in the affected area so that the animal movement restrictions are lifted before the children go back to school.