MAAIF Lifts Livestock Quarantine in Kazo After Successful FMD Vaccination

Farmers and livestock traders in Kazo District can now breathe a sigh of relief after the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF) officially lifted the livestock quarantine that had been imposed due to a Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak.

The decision, outlined in a letter dated March 10, 2025, follows a rigorous vaccination campaign that achieved a 95.9% coverage among livestock, effectively curbing the spread of the disease.

In January 2024, MAAIF imposed a total ban on the movement of cattle, goats, sheep, and their products within, into, and out of Kazo District after an outbreak in Engari Sub-County and surrounding areas.

With the quarantine now lifted, farmers can resume livestock trade, a key economic activity in the district.

Speaking at a district leadership meeting on Thursday, Resident District Commissioner (RDC), represented by Joseph Mugume, praised veterinary and production teams for their dedicated response.

“The commitment and teamwork of our production department played a key role in controlling this outbreak. Their efforts have saved farmers from further economic losses,” Mugume said.

Zefrine Tumwesigye, the District Production Officer, reassured farmers that strict monitoring would continue to prevent any resurgence.

“We will enforce strong surveillance on animal movements, especially from neighboring districts still battling the disease. This will help us maintain an FMD-free status,” Tumwesigye stated.

Despite the positive development, Kazo District Chairperson, Rev. Samuel Mugisha Katugunda, urged stakeholders to remain vigilant.

“While we celebrate this achievement, we must not lower our guard. Neighboring districts remain at risk, and we need a coordinated regional effort to prevent future outbreaks,” Katugunda emphasized.

To ensure a smooth transition, the district leadership is set to release detailed guidelines on reopening animal markets and regulating livestock movement.

These measures aim to prevent reinfection and safeguard Kazo’s livestock industry.

With the quarantine lifted, farmers are hopeful for business recovery and the restoration of a livestock trade that had been on hold for over a year.