The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF) has effectively quelled fears of a potential poultry disease outbreak in Masaka District following the discovery of over 3,500 dead birds in the area. The alarm was raised in late July 2024 when numerous poultry carcasses were found at four sites in Masaka City. Public concern was heightened by viral content on social media claiming a mysterious poultry disease and advising against consuming chicken from the region. MAAIF, in collaboration with Masaka City officials and veterinary experts, promptly launched an investigation.
On August 15, 2024, Bright Rwamirama, the State Minister for Agriculture, presented the results. He said that laboratory testing had ruled out infectious bursal disease (IBD), highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), and Newcastle disease (NCD). Rather, the chicks had foreign particles in their lungs and bacterial pneumonia, according to post-mortem examinations. While NCD and IBD mostly affect poultry, HPAI is an extremely contagious disease that can infect both people and birds. Although routine vaccinations against NCD and IBD are used to treat these conditions in commercial poultry farms, Uganda does not vaccinate against HPAI because the disease is not common in the country.
The investigation revealed that the mass death occurred at a single farm in Kalagala Village, Nyendo-Mukungwe sub-county. The chickens were being kept in poorly ventilated and maintained houses, which contributed to the development of respiratory illnesses. MAAIF has emphasized the importance of maintaining proper hygiene and biosecurity measures in poultry farms to prevent the spread of diseases.
The ministry has also taken steps to address the situation by providing technical assistance to poultry farmers in Masaka District. This includes training on proper management practices, vaccination programs, and disease prevention measures. Additionally, MAAIF has implemented surveillance programs to monitor poultry health and detect any early signs of disease outbreaks.
The findings of the investigation have reassured the public and farmers in Masaka District, dispelling concerns about a potential poultry disease outbreak. MAAIF’s prompt response and effective measures have helped to prevent the spread of disease and protect the poultry industry in Uganda.
