Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) has suspended trade in livestock, meat, milk, hides, and skins in Kirehe district, Eastern Province following discovering foot and mouth disease in Nyamugari sector. According to RAB, the suspended trade aims to curb the spreading of the disease across the district and its neighbouring communities. “About 15 livestock were discovered in one village and this is a sign that it can spread quickly and affect a big number of livestock,” he said. He said that the halted movement looks at cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs. “All these livestock are not allowed to move nor slaughtered in the whole Nyamugari sector.” According to the RAB announcement, the trade of products such as milk, meat, and skins from Nyamugali sector is not allowed. “All farmers whose livestock have signs of foot and mouth disease have to immediately report to the officer in charge of agriculture at sector level.” The farmers have also been urged to use recommended drugs that foot and mouth disease while all livestock that were previously in contact with those infected should be immediately reported and screened. “Feeds for livestock such as water should be availed to avoid the movement,” RAB advised. Barisanga explained vaccination of livestock is available at no cost adding that all cows that have been in all sectors of Kirehe district for more than six months have to be vaccinated. Local leaders, security institutions, farmers and other concerned institutions have been urged to increase efforts in enforcing guidelines on preventing the spread of the disease.
