Factors contributing to the transmission of foot and mouth disease in Nakaloke sub county, Mbale district.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to generate information front a sample population of 100 households owning. livestock (cattle, goats and sheep) on the factors contributing to the transmission of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMDJ.in Nakaloke Sub county, Mbale district which would be used by the various stakeholders in the prevention and control of FMD. The specific objectives were comparing the cattle, goats and sheep management systems with transmission of FMD, evaluation of farmers' participation in the ,FMD Vaccination programmes and assessment of the biosecurity measures used to prevent and control FMD in Nakaloke Sub County, Mbale District. The results of management indicated that there was a statistically significant relationship (X2=6080, P<O.05) between grazing system and transmission of FMD. From the study chi square tests indicated a statistically significant relationship, (X2=·5.991, P<0:(5) between farmers' participation in FMD vaccination programs-and FMD transmission. Chi square tests of the findings on biosecurity measures to prevent and control FMD revealed that there was a statistically significant relationship (X2=3.769, P<O.05) between introduction of animals’ source (X2=8.092, P<O,05), exchange of livestock (X2=;5.568, P<O,05) and transmission of FMD. Therefore, grazing systems in particular communal and tethering. Additionally few of respondents were aware of the prevention and control methods inspite of life fact that vaccination was carried out; vaccination draw backs which could have led to the transmission or FMD. Introduction of animals from unknown sources exchange of livestock and not examining livestock during a purchase could as well have led to the transmission of FMD. Separate livestock according to breed/types to avoid disease transmission. There should be routine vaccination programmes, subsidization vaccines and hire or recruit more vaccination personnel. conduction of research to identify the strain of FMDV prevailing in order to administer the right vaccine and train the farmers in disease identification and timely reporting of any disease outbreaks" Additionally, there should be rapid laboratory tests to confirm disease outbreaks and serological tests to confirm the antigenic strain in order to administer the right vaccine, encourage stall grazing as there is minimal interaction between susceptible and infected animals from livestock should be purchased from kt10Wf1 disease, free sources. Livestock should be inspected during purchase and a certificate issued and avoid exchange of livestock to reduce the chances of infected livestock a disease free herd.