Farmers and veterinary officials in the south western district of Kiroro are in fear following a suspected outbreak of the deadly Anthrax disease.
Stephen Balikuddembe, the Kisoro district Assistant Veterinary Officer says the yet to be confirmed epidemic has been reported in Kanaba Sub County, in two villages of Milindi and Muhindura.
He says a cow belonging to one Christopher Bature, which he received under government’s Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), died last week with signs manifesting anthrax disease.
Balikuddembe revealed that the cow had watery blood coming out from all its openings, had swollen and reddish eyes, Bloody diarrhoea, Fever, mouth sores among others, which he says highly manifest anthrax.
Anthrax is a zoonotic disease caused by bacteria Bacillus anthracic that stays in animals under different environmental conditions by forming spores.
Barikuddembe says the cow was burnt and buried upon conducting blood samples and cautioned the farmers and butcher men to be vigilant, report any signs related to the disease and desist from slaughtering and eating dead animals.
Isaiah Munyambonera, the Kisoro district production officer asked the locals to cooperate with the responsible district authorities in the meantime as they look for the appropriate solution to the potential disaster.