Authorities in Kabarole District have confirmed the outbreak of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), a highly infectious viral disease, which has so far led to the deaths of 553 goats on 116 farms spanning four sub-counties and one town council, dealing a heavy blow to local farmers.
District Chairman Richard Rwabuhinga said in a weekend interview that initial reports of the disease emerged on March 11 from concerned farmers. The animals exhibited symptoms such as fever, persistent coughing, nasal discharge, mouth sores, diarrhea, blindness, and abrupt death.
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Rwabuhinga explained that the outbreak began shortly after the district received a batch of over 600 goats through a BRAC Uganda Limited livelihood initiative aimed at improving household incomes. The goats had been sourced from Ngora District, now suspected as the origin of the disease.
“More than 90 percent of the goats distributed to beneficiaries have died. The few that survived have spread the virus to local breeds,” he noted.
Although BRAC indicated that the goats had been vaccinated before being transported, Rwabuhinga expressed concern over the possible failure or ineffectiveness of the vaccine. BRAC has since acknowledged the issue and pledged support in managing the crisis.
Dr. Kusiimakwe Dean Tugume, the district’s principal veterinary officer, provided updated statistics as of April 16, 2025. He reported that Rwengaju sub-county experienced the worst losses, with 502 goat deaths from 105 farmers. Other areas affected include Karangura (34 deaths from 6 farmers), Harugongo (8 deaths from 3 farmers), and both Hakibaale and Kibasi Town Council, each reporting 9 deaths from 2 farmers.
The district has undertaken disease surveillance and risk assessments. Farmers have been urged to improve farm hygiene, treat infected animals, and promptly report suspected cases.
Blood samples collected on March 14 from Harugongo and Rwengaju were sent to the National Animal Disease Diagnostic Center. While initial results ruled out Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia (CCPP), tests conducted on April 8 showed that 7 of 14 swab samples tested positive for PPR.
“To contain the outbreak, we’ve conducted awareness campaigns through stakeholder meetings and radio talk shows,” Dr. Tugume added.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries has responded by supplying 10,000 PPR vaccine doses, of which 7,800 have already been administered in affected communities.
Farmers have been warned against eating meat from infected or dead animals due to potential health risks. The district has also imposed a temporary ban on the movement and sale of goats to prevent further spread, and no movement permits are currently being issued.
BRAC Uganda’s Communications Officer, Dorothy Nassozi Kisarale, explained that the goats were purchased from Ngora after no local suppliers responded to an advertised tender. She confirmed that affected farmers will be compensated after a verification process, noting that each beneficiary had received two goats from the 684 procured under the program.
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