The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Board (RAB) has rolled out a ring vaccination strategy in Rubavu District to contain a Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak recently detected in the area. According to Fabrice Ndayisenga, Head of the Department of Animal Resources Innovations and Technology Transfer at RAB, the ring vaccination approach involves immunizing animals in a buffer zone around infected areas to prevent the virus from spreading. ALSO READ: Foot-and-Mouth disease outbreak confirmed in Rubavu “This strategy, combined with the livestock movement restrictions announced on October 21 and strengthened surveillance, will help control and potentially eradicate the outbreak,” said Ndayisenga. The current vaccination drive follows restrictions on livestock movement in Kanama, Nyakiliba, and Kanzenze sectors, along with a temporary ban on the trade of meat, milk, and other animal products. So far, over 5,000 out of an estimated 10,000 cows in the affected communities have been vaccinated. “The situation is under control now,” Ndayisenga said. “All affected cows have been stamped out, and we are closely monitoring Muhungwe Forest, the area where the infected animals were found to ensure no herds are being grazed illegally.” He added that no new infections have been reported outside the forested area but emphasised that ring vaccination and surveillance continue. ALSO READ: Govt to provide 10,000 cows to households in volcanic region RAB has directed that all cattle aged six months and older in Rubavu District be vaccinated every six months, and any livestock suspected of contact with infected animals must be isolated and quarantined. Origin of the outbreak Ndayisenga revealed that the outbreak was traced to cows illegally brought from the Democratic Republic of Congo and grazed in the forested Muhungwe mountain area. “Our inspections found 56 cows being grazed illegally in the forest,” he said. “We advised the owners to sell them for immediate slaughter. Unfortunately, one of the two individuals involved is still on the run.” In Nyakiliba Sector, where no previous cases had been reported, local authorities have tightened preventive measures and intensified public sensitization. “We’re vaccinating all cows, and the exercise is going well,” said Jean Bosco Tuyishime, Executive Secretary of Nyakiliba Sector. “Farmers are being mobilised to keep livestock isolated and report any animals showing symptoms, in line with national efforts to eliminate the disease.” Residents have welcomed the government’s swift response. “We really appreciate this initiative,” said Speciose Mukasine, a Nyakiliba resident. “I had never heard of this disease here before, and it’s reassuring to see quick action being taken.”
