Spatial and temporal distribution of foot and mouth disease in cattle in Uganda

Abstract

Background: Foot and Mouth disease is a notifiable transboundary disease, which is endemic in a large area of Sub-Saharan Africa, including Uganda. Recently, the disease has emerged from new areas, with a high impact, hence threatening the food security and livelihoods of different animal owners. This study described the temporal and spatial distribution of FMD in Uganda, and the factors associated with its occurrence. Methods: Data previously archived at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) in Uganda, from 2010 to 2021, were analyzed using Microsoft Excel, QGIS and R software. Results: A total of 22,690 FMD cases were reported in Uganda between 2010 and 2021 with an average and median of 1169 and 37 outbreaks per year respectively. In this period, FMD was reported at least once in 58 districts (43%) of all districts of the country (n = 135). The occurrence of FMD outbreaks was found to be seasonal with peak outbreaks in November and a low in August. FMD was reported all over the country, with the majority of cases 45% (10,211) reported from Eastern, 38% (8,685) from western region, 6% (1,354) from northern region and 11% (2,440) from central region. Most FMD cases were reported during the dry month of November, January, and February. Conclusion and Recommendation: FMD is widespread and well established in Uganda. It occurred in all the four regions and more than half of the districts in the region experienced at least one FMD outbreak in the time between 2010 and 2021. Outbreaks are seasonal and occurred more often in the dry season months. Increased number of outbreaks occur in the country with epidemic cycle of two years. Identification of temporal patterns and spatial distribution can indicate times and areas when and where attention should be given to control and prevent the disease in cost effective ways. Strategic vaccination of animals should commence at least a month prior to the onset dry season to ensure immunity against the virus, together with restrictions on animal movements during dry season and farmers have to be aware about the risk of unrestricted animal movement.