Foot and Mouth Disease commonly referred to as FMD is a severe highly contagious viral disease which mainly affects cloven foot animals like cattle, swine, sheep, goats, among others. FMD mainly survives in the lymph nodes and bone marrow at a neutral PH (measure of acidity/basicity of a solution). In case it leaves the bone marrow & lymph nodes, the virus usually dies as conditions for its survival are not favorable.

The symptoms of FMD include but are not limited to; blisters on the foot and mouth, froth from the mouth, loss of appetite, weight loss, and wounds from blisters.

Through the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), UMPCU secured 15,000 doses of FMD vaccine to help curb the disease by vaccinating cattle for its member farmers. The programme was launched by the Minister of State for Animal Industry, Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Hon. Lt. Col (Rtd) Dr. Bright K. Rwamirama in Wakyato sub-county, Nakaseke district. (seen in a blue coat in the featured image).

UMPCU’s farmers are spread out in districts within Uganda’s “cattle corridor”.

UMPCU Vet Dr. Alex Turyatunga vaccinates a cow on a member’s farm

With support from the European Union, UMPCU is committed to promoting animal disease control and prevention in collaboration with other stakeholders.