Suspected Anthrax Outbreak Reported in Ibanda District

Ibanda — The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) has confirmed a suspected outbreak of anthrax at a farm in Birongo I, Rwambu Parish, Kijongo Sub-county, Ibanda District, where seven cattle have died and four people are receiving medical treatment for skin lesions consistent with cutaneous anthrax.

In a statement issued by Maj. Gen. David Kasura-Kyomukama, the Permanent Secretary of MAAIF, the Ministry said the affected individuals had reportedly come into contact with one of the dead animals and are currently under medical care.

Anthrax is a highly dangerous zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, whose spores can survive in the environment for over a century. The disease can spread through ingestion, inhalation, or direct contact with infected animals or contaminated materials.

Swift Response by MAAIF

The Ministry has deployed joint veterinary and public health teams to the area to contain the outbreak.

According to the statement, the following emergency measures have been implemented: samples collected from the affected farm have been submitted for laboratory confirmation, emergency vaccination has been carried out at the affected site, with ring vaccination ongoing in surrounding communities, supervised carcass disposal and environmental decontamination are underway to prevent further spread of anthrax spores, community sensitisation on disease identification, prevention, and reporting has begun and quarantine restrictions have been imposed across Kijongo Sub-county to contain the movement of livestock and animal products.

Public Advisory

MAAIF has urged farmers and the general public to remain vigilant and cooperate with veterinary authorities.

The Ministry advises that: all sudden animal deaths should be reported immediately to District Veterinary Officers, farmers should comply with vaccination and movement control measures, members of the public must avoid handling or eating meat from dead or visibly sick animals, and anyone who has come into contact with dead animals and develops skin sores or fever should seek medical attention immediately.

MAAIF further advises that meat should be purchased only from certified slaughter facilities under veterinary supervision, people are urged to avoid opening animal carcasses to prevent contamination of the environment, and the public is encouraged to rely on official updates from MAAIF and local authorities and avoid spreading unverified information.

MAAIF reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring animal health and protecting public safety, emphasising that early reporting and community cooperation are critical to containing the outbreak.

“The Ministry has taken all necessary measures to contain the situation. We urge the public to remain calm but alert and to follow veterinary guidance,” Maj. Gen. Kasura-Kyomukama said.