Government lifts quarantine

Life has returned to normality in Alebtong District after government lifted the ban imposed on the sale of animals and their products in the area.

What you need to know:

Earlier, the ministry had said strict measures should be undertaken by veterinary staff, law enforcement offices, civic leaders and the general public in order to prevent illegal livestock movements to avoid recurrence of the disease in the district.

Life has returned to normality in Alebtong District after government lifted the ban imposed on the sale of animals and their products in the area.
In October last year, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries imposed quarantine in Alebtong District following the outbreak of foot-and- mouth disease.
This came after the outbreak was reported in Ocokober and Angeta parishes in Omoro Sub-county and Amon-oneno Parish in Abako Sub-county.

Announcement
The quarantine then prohibited the slaughter of cattle, goats, pigs, sheep and the sale of their meat.
On March 9, the same ministry announced that it was lifting the quarantine, “following the complete disappearance of foot-and- mouth disease in Alebtong District”.
Dr Anne Rose Ademun, the acting commissioner for animal health, confirmed the development.

“Quarantine restrictions that had been imposed on Alebtong District have been lifted,” she said.
She said movements of livestock and livestock products may be allowed into, out or within the district with a movement permit issued by veterinary authorities.

Titbits
Measures. Earlier, the ministry had said strict measures should be undertaken by veterinary staff, law enforcement offices, civic leaders and the general public in order to prevent illegal livestock movements to avoid recurrence of the disease in the district.
About the disease. Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a severe, highly contagious viral disease. The FMD virus causes illness in cows, pigs, sheep, goats, deer, and other animals with divided hooves.