Officials in Ibanda are cracking down on meat safety before the holidays after a recent anthrax scare. The municipality is tightening rules for slaughtering and selling beef to avoid a repeat of last year, when suspected disease outbreaks ruined Christmas for many. Municipal Veterinary Officer Isabela Muheirwe stated that only licensed operators will be allowed to handle meat during the festive period to guarantee proper inspection.
She warned that anyone without a license who still wants to slaughter an animal must get permission first from both their local village chairperson and a veterinary officer. This follows a suspected anthrax incident in October in the wider Ibanda District, where several cows died, and a few people developed skin infections after contact. Authorities are telling the public to stay vigilant, not eat uninspected meat, and report any suspicious animal deaths immediately.
She warned that anyone without a license who still wants to slaughter an animal must get permission first from both their local village chairperson and a veterinary officer. This follows a suspected anthrax incident in October in the wider Ibanda District, where several cows died, and a few people developed skin infections after contact. Authorities are telling the public to stay vigilant, not eat uninspected meat, and report any suspicious animal deaths immediately.
