Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) has lifted a three-week quarantine that had been imposed on livestock in Kanama, Nyakiriba and Kanzenze sectors of Rubavu District to curb the spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD).

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In a statement issued on November 16, RAB officials said the decision followed a full 21-day surveillance period during which no new infections were recorded, meeting the requirements of the country’s animal health regulations.

The quarantine had initially been enforced after some cattle in the district had exhibited symptoms of FMD, a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals.

The outbreak prompted immediate containment measures whereby livestock movement was suspended, trade in meat and milk was halted, and veterinary surveillance was intensified across the affected sectors.

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With containment efforts deemed successful, RAB has now announced that movement of cattle, goats, sheep and pigs, as well as the sale of livestock products, can now resume.

However, the agency warned that lifting the quarantine should not lead to laxity. It urged communities to maintain close monitoring of animal health and immediately report any signs resembling FMD or other unusual illnesses.