Farmers told to report sudden livestock deaths amid Anthrax outbreak in Ibanda

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Reporting sudden animal deaths of livestock such as cows to district veterinary officers, avoiding contact with dead animals whose cause of death is unknown, and refraining from buying meat from uncertified butcheries will help prevent the spread of Anthrax, whose outbreak has been confirmed in Ibanda district.

The Anthrax outbreak was confirmed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) through a letter issued today, Monday.

Other measures the ministry wants the public to adopt include avoiding the slaughter of dead cows or goats, or very sick animals, and consulting the nearest veterinary doctors in case cattle fall sick.

In an advisory letter signed by the permanent secretary of the ministry, Maj. Gen. David Kasura-Kyomukama, he said that Anthrax has been confirmed in the western district of Ibanda, particularly in Rwambu parish.

Through surveillance conducted by the ministry, the disease was detected on Birongo 1 Farm in Rwambu parish, Kijongo subcounty, Ibanda district.

“Seven cattle have died, and four individuals who came into contact with one of the dead animals have developed skin lesions consistent with anthrax. These individuals are currently under medical care,” Kasura said in the letter dated October 20, 2025.

He explained that Anthrax is a highly dangerous zoonotic disease (a disease transmitted between animals and humans) caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, which forms spores capable of surviving in the environment for over a century.

He added that transmission occurs through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact with infected animals or contaminated materials.

To manage further spread, the ministry is conducting joint veterinary and public health investigations, with samples submitted for laboratory confirmation.

In addition, emergency vaccination has been undertaken at the affected farm, and ring vaccination is ongoing in the surrounding areas.

The MAAIF team has also supervised the disposal of carcasses and environmental decontamination to prevent the spread of spores.

Anthrax is a zoonotic disease affecting both animals and humans. It does not spread from person to person but can be contracted through contact with infected carcasses or consumption of contaminated meat. However, this is not the first time the disease has been detected in the same district.

Past Anthrax outbreaks in Ibanda 

Information from the Ministry of Health indicates that Anthrax was first detected in Ibanda district in March 2023 and later in November 2023. According to the Ministry of Health, these outbreaks were linked to the consumption of meat from animals that died suddenly.

About Anthrax

Anthrax is a zoonotic disease affecting both animals and humans. It does not spread from person to person but can be contracted through contact with infected carcasses, consumption of contaminated meat, or inhalation of spores from animal by-products.

Forms of Anthrax

Cutaneous: Skin contact during slaughter or handling.

Gastrointestinal: Ingestion of contaminated meat.

Respiratory: Inhalation of spores, especially in leather or wool industries.