Burunga : the lump-stain disease and the foot-and-mouth disease decimate cattle herds

SOS Médias Burundi

Burunga, February 25, 2026 – The province of Burunga, in southern Burundi, is facing a worrying resurgence of animal diseases. For nearly two months, lump-stain disease and foot-and-mouth disease have been ravaging cattle herds in several districts, already causing the death of at least thirty cows, according to local administrative sources contacted by SOS Médias Burundi.

The districts of Bururi, Matana, and Musongati are particularly affected. In the areas of Matana, Songa, Vyuya, and Kajondi, herders are helplessly witnessing the rapid spread of these highly contagious diseases. Since the beginning of January 2026, approximately one hundred more cattle have reportedly been infected.

The affected animals have severe clinical signs : skin nodules, swelling around the hooves, abundant oral secretions, and high fever. In several cases, the disease is fatal.

Given the scale of the situation, strict measures have been implemented in the districts of Bururi and Matana. All livestock movement in the hills is now prohibited. Farmers are ordered to keep their herds indoors to limit the risk of contamination.

However, local veterinarians are raising the alarm. They state that they do not have sufficient quantities of appropriate medications or vaccines to contain the epidemic.

Currently, the Ministry in charge of Livestock has not yet officially commented on the exact nature of the disease or on a possible intervention plan. Farmers are calling for a swift response from the relevant authorities to save the remaining healthy herds.