AWEIL – Authorities in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State have raised concern over an outbreak of a deadly cattle disease that is killing livestock in Aweil South County.
According to Samuel Ajiing Uguak, the Director General at the Ministry of Animal Resources, the disease has already claimed the lives of at least four cows and infected dozens more across different parts of the county.
“Four cows have died in Aweil South County, and dozens are showing symptoms,” Ajiing said. “The disease affects the mouth and feet of the animals and has spread widely in both the highland and lowland areas.”
He described the outbreak as highly contagious and potentially harmful if not quickly contained. Ajiing urged cattle owners to isolate infected animals to prevent the disease from spreading further.
“Cattle showing signs of infection must be kept in isolation to protect healthy ones,” he warned. “We are also advising people not to consume meat from sick or dead animals, as doing so poses serious health risks.”
The Ministry of Animal Resources has dispatched a team of veterinarians and animal health workers to affected areas in Aweil South to assess the situation and provide emergency response. Ajiing said the ministry is in talks with international partners to launch a mass vaccination campaign aimed at curbing the spread of the disease.
Last month, a free vaccination exercise was carried out in Aweil West, South, and East counties. However, residents are now expressing concern over the resurgence of the disease despite the recent campaign.
Cattle play a central role in the lives of communities in Northern Bahr el Ghazal, serving not only as a source of wealth and livelihood but also as a symbol of prestige and cultural pride. Those who own large herds are highly respected within their communities.
Local residents are appealing to humanitarian organizations, including the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), to work closely with local authorities to supply additional vaccines and train more animal health workers to monitor livestock health and safeguard the communities’ primary source of livelihood.
