NYAGATARE - The Higher Institute of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, ISAE Busogo, on Thursday vaccinated 1900 cattle against foot and mouth disease that has spread out in some parts of the Eastern Province. 

The exercise was carried out by finalists from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine under the guidance of their lecturers, in Rwimiyaga sector, Nyagatare district. 

Speaking to The New Times, Dr. Charles Ntahonshikira, the faculty dean, said that the exercise was one of their extension services targeting sectors of the economy.

He added that the vaccination program would enable students especially those in the final year to gain more practical experience in treating animal diseases since most of their studies have been carried out theoretically. 

‘It gives the students the necessary avenue to carry out research on the virus that causes foot and mouth disease in the region.” 

‘There are mainly seven types of viruses that spread foot and mouth diseases. We have selected three students from our institution, who will carry our research on the main viruses spreading the disease in Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania, which will greatly facilitate us in stemming it completely.’

Dr. Agustin Zimulinda, officer in charge of the Rwanda Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) in eastern region, said the vaccination was timely. 

‘Recently we discovered this disease in Karangazi sector and later in some few parts of Nyagatare district. We are optimistic that this vaccination will stop further spread of the disease,’ he said. 

Dr. Zimulinda warned livestock farmers against continuous movement of cattle.

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