Continuous slaughtering and consumption of animal products posing an arising Anthrax cases in Kanungu District.
KANUNGU: The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Kanungu district Ambrose Mwesigye Amanyire has issued a stern warning to the public against continued slaughtering and consumption of meat despite a ban prompted by the outbreak of anthrax.
RDC Mwesigye who also heads the District control Anthrax Task Force issued the warning on Tuesday, while chairing a meeting to assess the progress in managing of the outbreak that was announced Last Week.
“We are still seeing people slaughtering cows, pigs, and goats, and as a result, the cases of anthrax are increasing and spreading to new areas,” said Ambrose Mwesigye.
He reassured the public that authorities are working diligently to contain the outbreak through sensitization campaigns on social media, community gatherings, radios, and other media outlets.
The RDC further highlighted the importance of vaccination and emphasized strict enforcement of the ban on consuming livestock products.
Meanwhile, the Kanungu District Health Officer (DHO) Dr. Birungi Mutahunga, revealed that epidemiologists from the Ministry of Health were already in the District to evaluate the situation.
Dr. Birungi identified hotspot areas for anthrax as Kabuga Sub-County, Nyakabungo Sub-County, Kanungu Town Council, Nyamirama, and Bugongi Sub-County.
“So far, 100 cows and three people have died from anthrax, and over 6,000 animals have been vaccinated,” Dr. Mutahunga reported.
Attending the meeting the District Police Commander (DPC), ASP Kitosi Titus, assured the public that security teams are actively enforcing the ban on slaughter and consumption of livestock.
The Police Commander further noted that they have already arrested a butcher in Katete Omukyepatiko for violating the ban by slaughtering cows.
