The state minister for
animal industry Retired Lt. Col. Bright Rwamirama has revealed that the
government through the Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industries and Fisheries
is on the verge of constructing 3 livestock improvement centers in Karamoja sub
region to improve the quality of livestock.
The
revelation was made during the launch of the livestock vaccination program in
Kotido district, where it was revealed that the centers will be stationed in
the districts of Moroto, Nakapiripirit and Napak for livestock farmers to
improve productivity in beef and dairy products to enhance their income.
According to
Rwamirama, the ministry will first train and skill personnel from within the
region on how to administer artificial insemination and care for the bred
animals to avert death due to poor care.
He further
noted that with the 3 farms in place, livestock farmers could look forward to
supplying the ready markets in neighbouring Kenya and also parts of Uganda.
Rwamirama
believes that if livestock farmers in Karamoja make good use of the livestock
improvement centers, their livelihood will improve and the issues of hunger
addressed as they will have finances to fend for their families.
Cue//…Rwamirama on livestock
improvement centers
According to
Rwamirama, the vaccination exercise will address foot and mouth disease-FMD,
Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia-CBPP, contagious caprine pleuropneumonia-CCPP
for goats, Sheep and Goat pox-SGP and pests des petit ruminants-PPR.
Cue//…Rwamirama on vaccination
Dr. Deo
Ndumu the assistant commissioner disease control at MAAIF however appealed to
the district production departments to always send their well laid vaccination
plans to the ministry in time so that they dispatch the vaccines in time.
Cue//…Dr. Ndumu on vaccination plan
Dr. Okengo
Oscar the District veterinary officer Abim district says that the vaccination
campaign is timely since this major disease affects trade and also contributes
70 percent of livestock death and with the vaccination exercise in place, he
expects the animal health in the region to drastically improve.
Cue//…DR Okengo on vaccination