Soroti District Starts Livestock Vaccination Drive Against Foot and Mouth Disease
By Abraham Ekwaru, Communication Officer, Soroti
Soroti, Uganda - Livestock farmers in Soroti district can breathe a sigh of relief as the Veterinary department has commenced a mass vaccination exercise against the deadly Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).
The initiative, courtesy of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, aims to protect the district's 86,000-strong cattle herd.

The Ag. Veterinary Officer, Dr. David Achorio, confirmed that the exercise has already begun, with 10,000 doses of vaccine distributed across the district.

"This is a free government initiative vital for controlling and preventing FMD outbreaks, which can have severe economic impacts on livestock industries and farmers' livelihoods," Dr. Achorio emphasized.

As of now, 5,018 livestock have been vaccinated, with Kamuda sub-county leading the charge at 489, followed closely by Lalle (303), Oculoi (300), and Katine (495). Other areas covered include Tubur, Tubur Town Council, Arapai, Gweri, Aukot, Awaliwal, Asuret, Ocokikcan, and Soroti City.

The vaccination drive will help protect cattle, sheep, goats, and other vulnerable animals, ensuring their health and productivity. With the district's significant livestock population, this initiative is a crucial step towards safeguarding the livelihoods of farmers and the local economy.