Lamwo District Local Government is awaiting approval from the District council to implement compulsory livestock vaccination fees aimed at controlling animal diseases and improving livestock productivity across the district.
According to Joyce Oyella, the Chairperson for Production, Marketing and Natural Resources, the proposed charges include 5,000 shillings for cattle and 3,000 shillings for goats and sheep during the planned district-wide vaccination exercise.
Oyella explains that the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries had recommended higher rates of 10,000 shillings for cattle, 5,000 shillings for goats and sheep, and 3,000 shillings for dogs and cats.
She adds that the vaccination campaign is expected to prevent disease outbreaks, improve productivity, and protect livelihoods of households that depend on livestock keeping.
Meanwhile, Dr. Stanely Avudraga, the Lamwo District Veterinary Officer, warns that tick infestation remains a major challenge affecting livestock health in several sub-counties.
He says diseases such as East Coast fever, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis continue to cause losses in milk production, meat quality deterioration, and animal deaths.
Okullu Moris Hallan, a farmer in Madi Opei Sub-county, welcomes the initiative but calls for government subsidies on veterinary drugs to ease costs.
As council approval is awaited, district leaders say the program is key to strengthening livestock production and rural incomes; and the veterinary department has launched awareness campaigns promoting proper use of acaricides, regular spraying, and improved grazing practices.
By Okello Jesus Ojara
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