Panic As Strange Disease Strikes Cattle in Iganga
UGANDA - A mysterious disease has broken out among herd of cattle and goats in parts of Iganga District, sparking off fears of possible loss of stock.
10 September 2007
2 minute read
“ The animals lose their faculties and start moving backwards instead of going forward,”
The veterinary doctor.
Fears are rife that the strange disease, which is believed to have capacity to kill a cow within one day to attack, will cause milk and beef shortages which will in turn result into higher prices for the two commodities in the district and other parts of Busoga region.
Reports about the strange disease were officially reported to the Chief Administrative Office, Mr Yiga Dan Mukasa, on September 3 at Irongo Sub – County headquarters.
The CAO, who was recently transferred to Iganga, was in sub-county as part of a familiarization tour of the district.
The Veterinary Officer in Charge of Irongo Sub – County in Luuka, Dr. Wilberforce Mayanja, said the mysterious disease was first reported in the last week of August in Bugaya, in Nawanhyago Parish.
Dr. Mayanja, said the biggest symptom of the disease is constant mooing and bleating by cows and goats.
“ The animals lose their faculties and start moving backwards instead of going forward,” the veterinary doctor said.
In other cases, he said, animals start charging at their keepers, often showing signs of violence.
Dr. Mayanja said such irregular movement and desire to bite might be a sign of rabies, but said the instant death could also be associated with anthrax. The veterinary officer, however said investigations investigations are going on to ascertain the disease.
Source: The Monitor
