Livestock farmers and traders in Gulu city have requested for more time to comply with the compulsory vaccination against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industries and Fisheries (MAAIF), livestock in Acholi sub region should be vaccinated by end of August.
Farmers and traders who fail to comply will not be allowed to move or sell their animals or their animal products.
Richard Nokrach, a livestock trader while speaking during a meeting with officials from MAAIF at the Gulu city council yard on Friday expressed fear that their trade will be highly affected if government went ahead to implement the policy on September 1st as most farmers have not yet vaccinated their animals.
Dr. Emmanuel Isingoma, a senior veterinary officer from MAAIFadvises the city officials to request for more time from the Minister and Permanent secretary.
Farmers are expected to pay 8,000 shillings for vaccination of each cow or pig and 4,000 shillings for each sheep or goat.
However, a report from the Gulu City Veterinary Department indicates that less than 10 livestock farmers have paid the required fees to the bank.
Dr. Edward Omaido, the Gulu City Veterinary Officer says that the city currently has 72,550 doses of foot and mouth disease vaccine in storage.
By Justine Muboka
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