There has been an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in 19 districts in western Uganda, where the majority of the country’s cattle is produced. Figures from Kampala’s abattoir show that slaughter numbers have halved from approximately 200 per day to 100. Beef prices have increased and some companies have suspended beef exports.

A national quarantine has been imposed on the movement of livestock and dairy products and the cost of transporting cattle within the western region is reported to have tripled as a result. However, reports sate that some traders have been illegally buying and moving cattle, further spreading of the disease.

The leather tanning industry is suffering greatly due to shortages of uninfected hides and higher prices.