Ambrose Mwesigye Amanyire, the Kanungu Resident District Commissioner, reported that the outbreak has resulted in the death of 63 cows, with 28 currently sick. Among the sick animals, eight are from Kambuga Town Council, ten from Katete Sub County, seven from Bugongi Sub County, one from Kihihi Town Council, and one from Kambuga Sub County.
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Butchers slaughtering a cow
Kanungu district authorities have imposed a quarantine on the consumption and transportation of animals and their products due to a confirmed outbreak of anthrax. The ban covers cows, goats, sheep, pigs, and related products.
Ambrose Mwesigye Amanyire, the Kanungu Resident District Commissioner, reported that the outbreak has resulted in the death of 63 cows, with 28 currently sick. Among the sick animals, eight are from Kambuga Town Council, ten from Katete Sub County, seven from Bugongi Sub County, one from Kihihi Town Council, and one from Kambuga Sub County.
The situation has escalated following the death of a person in Katojo Village on September 12, 2024, and another in Rugari Village in Kambuga Town Council on September 1, 2024. Both individuals had been receiving treatment at Kihihi Health Centre IV.
In response, all butchers, animal traders, and animal markets have been ordered to close immediately. The quarantine will remain in effect until further notice. Security officers and relevant authorities have been briefed and are on high alert to enforce the quarantine. Violators of the directives will face legal consequences.
Dr. Aloysius Tumwesigye, Kanungu District Veterinary Officer, explained that investigations began after reports of animal deaths in Kambuga Sub County. Tests from three out of five cows sent to the National Animal Diseases Diagnostics and Epidemiological Centre (NADDEC) in Entebbe tested positive for anthrax.
Dr. Tumwesigye also reported a case from Mburameizi Barracks Health Centre II on September 9, 2024, where two men exhibited anthrax-related symptoms after consuming meat from a cow with skin ulcers. Another case involved a male adult from Kambuga Sub County who died after slaughtering a dead cow, with two family members developing skin lesions.
Dr. Mutahunga Birungi, Kanungu District Veterinary Officer, advises the public to avoid consuming animal products to prevent further spread of the disease. Anthrax is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, which produces potent toxins harmful to both animals and humans. Ruminants like cows, goats, and sheep may die rapidly with minimal signs of infection, while humans initially experience flu-like symptoms and raised boil-like skin lesions.
