Deadly Outbreak Rocks Kabarole
A highly contagious viral disease has killed more than 500 goats in Kabarole District, leaving farmers reeling from economic loss and emotional distress. The outbreak of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) has affected over 100 farms across four sub-counties and one town council, according to district officials.
First reported on March 11, the disease spread rapidly, causing symptoms such as high fever, coughing, nasal discharge, diarrhea, oral lesions, and sudden death.
Suspected Source Linked to Livelihood Project
Kabarole District Chairperson, Mr. Richard Rwabuhinga, revealed that the outbreak occurred soon after the district received more than 600 goats under a livelihood initiative by BRAC Uganda Limited. The goats, intended to support vulnerable households, were sourced from Ngora District.
“Over 90 percent of the goats distributed through the project have since died,” Rwabuhinga said. “The survivors are believed to have transmitted the virus to indigenous goats.”
He noted that despite reports that the goats had been vaccinated before transportation, the vaccine may have failed or triggered an adverse reaction.
Government Launches Emergency Response
The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries has provided 10,000 doses of the PPR vaccine to contain the outbreak, with 7,800 goats already vaccinated in affected zones.
Dr. Kusiimakwe Dean Tugume, Kabarole’s Principal Veterinary Officer, confirmed that Rwengaju Sub-county was hit hardest, recording 502 goat deaths among 105 farmers. Other affected areas include Karangura (34 deaths), Harugongo (8 deaths), and Hakibaale and Kibasi Town Council (9 deaths each).
Lab Tests Confirm PPR
Samples collected from infected farms were submitted to the National Animal Disease Diagnostic Center for analysis. While early tests ruled out Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia (CCPP), subsequent tests conducted in April confirmed PPR in several samples.
“Out of 14 swab samples collected on April 8, seven tested positive for PPR using rapid antigen detection,” Dr. Tugume said.
Movement Ban and Public Advisory
To prevent further spread, the district has suspended all goat movement and sales, with no permits being issued until further notice. Farmers have also been advised not to consume meat from infected or dead animals and to avoid panic selling of livestock.
“Some goats may appear healthy but still be incubating the virus,” Dr. Tugume warned.
Public sensitization efforts are underway, including community meetings and radio awareness programs, aimed at helping farmers manage the crisis and enforce biosecurity practices.
BRAC Uganda Responds
BRAC Uganda has acknowledged the outbreak and pledged support. According to Ms. Dorothy Nassozi Kisarale, the organization’s Communications and Advocacy Officer, the goats were procured from Ngora District after no local suppliers responded to a bid.
“All farmers who lost goats will be compensated,” she said. “A verification exercise is scheduled to begin soon.”
