How Pakwach District is controlling the spread of contagious animal diseases

By Mike Rwothomio

In the past few days, locals in Pakwach District have been witnessing rampant spread and uptick in cases of contagious caprine Pleuropneumonia ( CCPP) in goats and Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia ( CBPP) in cattle.

The most affected areas according to the District leadership are Sub counties of Alwi, Panyimur, Pakwach, Panyango and Panyimur Town Council.

Apparently,  the Chief administrative officer of Pakwach Dalili RK Moses, issued a directive in July 18th letter, prohibiting the movement of animals.

This directive is to be enforced by Leaders at various levels to stymie the spread of the Diseases.

” Movements of goats, cattle ( live animals), their products from within affected areas that include Sub_Counties of Alwi, Panyimur, Pakwach, Panyango and Panyimur Town Council are restricted” Dalili noted before adding that “livestock markets, slaughter places, and animal shows within the affected areas have been closed.

In the neighbouring Nebbi District, respiratory disease is continuing to kill particularly goats in the Sub-Counties of Kucwiny, Ategu, Padwot, and Parombo amongst others. In May, more than 4,000 goats were reported to have died.

Causes of the Diseases.

Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia (CCPP) is a highly contagious infectious disease of goats caused by the Mycoplasma mycoides capri and Mycoplasma F38 bacteria. CCPP causes inflammation of the lungs and accumulation of fluid in the chest cavity. Damaged lung tissue can harden and adhere to the chest wall, which interferes with effective respiration and causes the goat to die from lack of oxygen. Mortality rates can reach 100 per cent.

CPP is spread through the inhalation of airborne droplets from coughing/sneezing animals. Direct goat-to-goat contact is necessary for the disease to spread according to the United State Department Of Agriculture.

Fever, weakness, Lethargy, Coughing, Difficult breathing, frothy nasal discharge, stringy saliva, and exercise intolerance are some of the common signs of CCPP.

If earlier detected according to experts, it can be treated using antibiotics and some of its key preemptive measures are vaccinations and Quarantine.