Rwanda “not affected by foot and mouth disease”

The Deputy Director of Animal Resources Extension at the Rwanda Agricultural Board (RAB), Dr Christine Kanyandekwe, has announced that the country’s animals are safe despite the outbreak of Foot-and-mouth disease that has ravaged the western part of neighbouring Uganda. The disease is an infectious and sometimes fatal viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals, including domestic and wild bovid.The virus results in a high fever among infected cattle for two to three days followed by blisters inside the mouth and on the feet that may rupture and cause lameness and death.The disease is spread by infected animals through aerosols, contact with contaminated farming equipment, vehicles, clothing or feed and by domestic and wild predators.“There is no risk in Rwanda. We are still emphasising on our control measures to prevent entry of the disease,” Kanyandekwe said.The disease is affecting areas situated 20 kilometres away from Kagitumba border and most emphasis has been placed on porous borders where infected animals like cows, goats, sheep and others could be sneaked into the country.Following the outbreak of the disease two weeks ago, RAB dispatched veterinary officers at all borders to prevent the movement of animals from Uganda and to also set up a foot-bath containing a disinfectant at all entry points as a control measure.Early last week, vets from both countries met at Gatuna border to assess the problem and agreed to continue sharing information on the underlying issue as well intensifying sensitisation campaigns among farmers on prevention measures. Though it does not kill an infected animal immediately, Foot-and-mouth disease affects milk and meat production, causing severe economic losses to farmers.Other trans-boundary diseases threatening the region are Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) in Tanzania, which is considered the most destructive viral disease affecting small ruminant animals.

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Rwanda “not affected by foot and mouth disease”