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In collaboration with the College of Veterinary Medicine, the Ministry's Animal Health department dispatched scientists to Masaka to collect samples and work with district authorities to address the situation. Preliminary tests on the samples, processed through the hub system, showed no signs of Newcastle Disease, Avian Influenza, or Infectious Bursal Disease, effectively quelling fears of a dangerous outbreak.
A postmortem examination of the deceased birds revealed that they had been injected with oxytetracycline, an antibiotic, in suspected high dosages. This treatment was meant to combat pneumonia caused by overcrowding in poultry houses. The farmer involved admitted to consulting an unqualified "veterinary" doctor and improperly disposing of the dead birds in a field, where they were later found by the public.
Hon Frank Tumwebaze clarified that the issue stemmed from poor management practices rather than a widespread disease. He emphasized the importance of consulting qualified veterinary professionals for poultry health issues and warned against the misuse of antibiotics. The Ministry also advised the public to disregard the misleading audio message, which inaccurately portrayed the state of the poultry industry.
Poultry in Uganda
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Uganda's poultry sector continues to grow, with an estimated total population of 57.8 million chickens, including 17.4 million exotic breeds, according to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) for 2024. The Buganda North and Buganda South regions boast the highest concentration of laying hens, contributing significantly to the country's poultry output. The industry is a crucial source of high-quality protein and supports food security, providing essential income for farmers and potential foreign exchange earnings through the export of poultry products to neighboring countries.
The Ministry's prompt response and clear communication demonstrate its commitment to maintaining the health and safety of Uganda's poultry industry. The public is encouraged to stay informed through official channels and adhere to best practices in poultry management.