The Ugandan government has ordered quarantine on all cattle markets in the central district of Rakai, following an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in the district, local media reported on Tuesday.

Rwamirama said the government was maintaining quarantine on trade and movement of cattle in the district until they are vaccinated.

He warned that over 16 districts in Uganda are under threat of getting the disease, noting that the most affected districts include Rakai, Isingiro and Ntungamo, which could also be attacked by Kihaha, a more dangerous disease, not only to animals but also humans.

Rwamirama issued the strict orders on cattle movement while inspecting Rakai district where over 4,000 herdsmen, who were recently expelled from Tanzania with over 50,000 heads of cattle are camping.

"We do not want to see a single animal being transported. Those transporting animals should be arrested and charged," he said, adding that vehicles found carrying cattle should be fined 2 million shillings (1,100 U.S dollars).

He said the government will spend 4.5 billion shillings (25 million dollars) to purchase the drugs to vaccinate the cattle in all the affected districts.

"We are in the process of bringing over two million dozes of the drug," he said.

He noted that the quarantine would be lifted after the government immunizes all the animals in the districts.

Foot-and-mouth is a severe, highly contagious viral disease that affects cattle, pigs, sheep and other cloven-hoofed livestock.

Source: Xinhua