Mystery Illness Wipes Out 266 Pigs in Kalangala, Devastating Farmers

Farmers in Kalangala District are facing massive losses after a strange disease struck pigs distributed through the National Oil Palm Programme (NOPP). Out of 372 pigs handed over on March 13, 266 had died by March 31, with the illness also hitting animals already on local farms.

Affected farmers report alarming symptoms like refusal to eat, fever, reddish skin, raised body hair, and rapid death. Ms Teopista Tumusiime from Mweena Village lost both a project pig and another from the Parish Development Model, despite veterinary treatment. ‘It refused to feed or drink, and died overnight,’ she recounted.

Mr Kizza Evalisto saw his pig turn red and stop eating right after delivery, leading to the death of seven out of eight in his herd. In his village of 150 households, over 100 pigs have perished, leaving just a handful alive. He spends Shs15,000 daily trying to save the survivor.

Local leaders, including Ward B councillor Mr Julian Muwonge, note the disease spread quickly from project pigs in Lutoboka and Mweena villages to others. Authorities have sent samples to national labs for analysis, with results pending.

Public health fears are rising as some reportedly sell meat from dead pigs in Masaka markets, warned Mr Richard Ssetuba, chairperson-elect for Mugoye Sub-county. Deputy RDC Mr Henry Ssebunya confirmed the deaths and announced a pig movement ban in the district.

Following talks with NOPP officials and the contractor, compensation for affected farmers is in the works. The project aimed to boost income for non-oil palm growers, but the outbreak has left communities reeling.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)