Authorities in Kitagwenda District have intensified community sensitisation campaigns on anthrax prevention and control following confirmed cases linked to the consumption of infected meat.
Three residents from Buhanda Sub-county recently tested positive for anthrax after reportedly eating meat from a cow that had died of the disease, prompting urgent intervention from both health and veterinary officials.
During a community engagement over the weekend in Buhanda Sub-county, leaders expressed concern over persistent high-risk behaviours among residents, including failure to report sudden livestock deaths and the consumption of meat from such animals.
Assistant District Veterinary Officer Richard Otema warned that such practices are accelerating the spread of the disease.
“We have observed with concern that some community members are not reporting animal deaths to authorities and instead go ahead to consume the meat,” Otema said. “Even more alarming are reports that some people are exhuming carcasses. This greatly increases the risk of anthrax transmission.”
Health officials have called for stronger collaboration between the community and response teams to contain the outbreak.
Assistant District Health Officer in charge of Environmental Health Johnson Musinguzi urged residents to promptly report suspected cases in both humans and animals.
“We call upon the community to cooperate with us by sharing information in time and observing proper hygiene practices to protect themselves and their families,” Musinguzi said.
The Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Kitagwenda, Benjamin Tumusiime, confirmed that authorities are aware of the dangerous practices and have moved to enforce strict measures.
“We have credible reports that some individuals are exhuming carcasses for consumption. This is illegal and poses a serious public health risk,” Tumusiime said. “Security agencies have been directed to arrest anyone found engaging in such acts.”
According to district authorities, at least 18 animals, including 16 cattle, have died from suspected anthrax. Meanwhile, suspected human cases have risen to 22, although only three have been laboratory confirmed.
Officials emphasise that sustained public awareness, vigilance, and strict adherence to health guidelines remain critical in preventing further spread of the disease.
