How Foot and mouth disease in Kampala will affect livestock trade across country

In response to reported cases of foot and mouth disease in Kampala, the government has swiftly implemented strict measures aimed at containing the spread of the highly contagious illness.

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has been directed to enforce quarantine guidelines to prevent further transmission.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries, led by Commissioner Anna Rose Ademun, confirmed cases of foot and mouth disease in Rubaga division, Kampala.

In light of this, a ban has been imposed on the movement and sale of all cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, and their products within Kampala.

Furthermore, the ministry's directive extends to livestock markets, slaughterhouses, butcheries, loading grounds, and animal shows, all of which are prohibited from operating until further notice.

The ban, effective March, 1 aims to curb the spread of the disease and safeguard public health.

While these measures are crucial for containing the outbreak, they have significant implications for the livestock business across the country.

The ban disrupts the supply chain, affecting farmers, traders, and consumers alike.

Impact on farmers

Farmers who rely on the sale of livestock and their products as a source of income will experience financial strain due to the inability to trade their animals.

With restrictions on movement, farmers may face challenges in accessing essential resources such as animal feed and veterinary services, impacting the health and well-being of their livestock.

Traders

Livestock traders, including wholesalers and retailers, will suffer losses as they are unable to buy and sell animals and related products.

Butcheries and slaughterhouses will experience a decline in business, leading to reduced revenue and potential layoffs of workers.

The ban disrupts the flow of goods and services, affecting ancillary businesses such as transportation and logistics.

 Consumers

Consumers may face shortages of meat products, leading to increased prices and reduced availability.

Concerns about food safety and disease transmission may lead to decreased confidence in consuming meat products, impacting the demand for livestock products in the market.

While the livestock trade ban is necessary to contain the foot and mouth disease outbreak in Kampala, it poses significant challenges to the agricultural sector and the broader economy.

Collaboration between government agencies, farmers, traders, and consumers is essential to mitigate the impact of the ban and prevent further spread of the disease.