Bururi : the lumpy skin disease threatens livestock, herders in distress

For two months, herders in the districts of Bururi, Matana, and Songa in Bururi province (southern Burundi) have been facing a major health crisis affecting their livestock. An epidemic of lumpy skin disease is decimating herds, jeopardizing their livelihoods.

INFO SOS Médias Burundi

The lumpy skin disease, which primarily affects cattle, is spreading rapidly in the region. Veterinary authorities in Bururi province report that 120 cows are already showing alarming symptoms, including skin nodules, loss of appetite, and general weakness. Ten animals have already succumbed to the disease.

The distraught herders are expressing their concerns and calling for urgent intervention from administration and veterinary authorities to eradicate this epidemic.

Strict measures to contain the disease

Given the seriousness of the situation, provincial authorities have taken a drastic measure : a formal ban on the movement of cattle. They are urging herders to keep their animals in stables to limit the spread of the virus. However, in several localities, animals continue to graze freely on the hills, complicating the implementation of preventive measures.

Vaccines available, call for vaccination

Veterinary services assure that vaccines and medications are available and urge herders to vaccinate their livestock as soon as possible.

In a context where livestock farming is a vital source of income for many families, herders hope that the measures taken will help curb the epidemic before it causes more serious losses.

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A cow in a pen in Muramvya province, central Burundi (SOS Médias Burundi)