Mysterious disease kills over 300 goats in Hoima in two weeks

Farmers in Hoima district have been left devastated following the outbreak of a mysterious disease that has killed more than 300 goats in under two weeks.

The worst-hit areas include Lyato, Kasenyi, and the Fofo landing site in Buseruka sub-county, where the outbreak is believed to have started. Affected goats are showing symptoms such as diarrhoea, coughing, sneezing, nasal and eye discharge, laboured breathing, and swollen or sealed eyes, often dying shortly after these signs appear.

Jackson Oforu, a farm manager in Kasenyi, reported losing 100 goats in just two weeks. He expressed deep concern about the rapid spread and devastating impact of the disease on their livelihoods.

James Kiviri, another farmer in Kasenyi, said he had lost 30 goats and emphasised the heavy economic toll. He said many farmers had invested in goat farming using Parish Development Model (PDM) funds, and that the outbreak is such a huge setback.

Apophius Nyakato, a goat farmer, said she had lost over 100 goats and appealed to the government for urgent intervention. She said they’re financially crippled and cannot afford vaccinations on their own.

Another farmer, Keren Akambaho, who also lost over 100 goats, described the situation as alarming and called on authorities to act swiftly to save the remaining livestock. Apophius Ambaasiza warned that without immediate intervention, the disease could wipe out the entire goat population in the area.

Ali Tinkamanyire, LC3 chairperson of Buseruka sub-county, said local farmers are suffering greatly and urged the government to vaccinate all goats across the sub-county to contain the spread.

When contacted, Dr Patrick Ndorwa, Hoima district veterinary officer, said he was not yet aware of the outbreak but promised to coordinate with his team on the ground to investigate the reports.

This is not the first time Buseruka has experienced such a crisis. In November 2021, a similar outbreak, later confirmed to be Goat Plague (Peste des Petits Ruminants), a highly contagious viral disease, claimed over 300 goats.

That outbreak was eventually brought under control through a mass vaccination campaign. Veterinary experts warn that most goats showing symptoms of the disease often die, making early detection and swift vaccination efforts crucial.