Infectious heart-water disease kills 10 cattle in Kitgum

8 February 2024, 2:28 pm

Suspected heart-water disease has reportedly killed 10 head of cattle in Omiya Anyima West sub-county in Kitgum district.

According to the US National Library of Medicine, heart-water is a frequently fatal tick-borne disease of ruminants caused by Cowdria ruminantium. In domestic ruminants, the incubation period varies considerably and depends on the route of infection, severity of the infection and amount of infective material administered.

According to the livestock farmers, their animals began presenting with signs and symptoms similar to heartwater disease early this year.

Animals with the acute form first develop a sudden high fever, loss of appetite, depression, and breathing problems. Nervous system problems may follow, including excessive chewing motions, incoordination, circling, and inability to lift the foot while walking while some animals may experience convulsions.

On Wednesday, the Omiya Anyima West Sub-County Chairperson, Mr Julius Peter Otto said his office received reports that the affected areas include Palameny and Palwo parishes.

Meanwhile, Kitgum District Veterinary Officer Alfred Kinyera said the animals died of the disease because farmers failed to spray their cattle against ticks. Now, he asked the farmers to spray their cattle to mitigate the disease’s outbreak routinely.