East Africa runs out of cattle vaccines
 

The vaccination of cattle in the districts affected by foot and mouth disease (FMD) has stalled due to absence of vaccines, said the agriculture ministry in Uganda.
 
Livestock health and entomology commissioner, Nicholas Kauta said that until the finance ministry releases money, the suppliers cannot dispatch the vaccines.
 
Sources in the agriculture ministry said the government recently ordered 300,000 doses of FMD vaccines to control the disease in the northern and eastern districts.
 
Kauta said they need about sh30b yearly to carry out routine vaccinations but due to inadequate funding, they opt for strategic vaccinations in districts where the disease has been reported.
 
Towards the end of 2008 and early this year, veterinary authorities in northern Uganda closed butcheries and livestock markets in the districts of Lira, Apac, Amuru, Amolatar, Pader, Dokolo, Abim, Katakwi, Kaberamaido and Oyam.
 
This followed the outbreak of the disease, which left at least 300 head of cattle dead.
 
The commissioner said in addition to the quarantine, the government was sensitising the farmers.
 
He added that some herds at the border with Tanzania in Rakai, were also found to be sick but is common in January and February each year, because some animals cross over.
 
Kampala district veterinary officer Bariyanga Ahimbisibwe said although the district was still free from the disease, precautionary measures would continue.