Rwandan farmers have been told to adhere to livestock Quarantine to minimize the spread of animal diseases.
The call comes after Police in Gatsibo district impounded a truck loaded with 16 cows destined for Kigali.
The incident happened on March 13 at kabarole Sector,Gatsibo district. The cattle and the suspect are all being held at kabarole Police station in Gatsibo district.
Gatsibo, Kanyonza and Nyagatare districts are currently serving a temporary ban on the movement of cattle following the reported outbreak of foot and mouth disease.
However, in February, Minister of Agriculture and Animal resources Dr Agnes Kalibata had said all cattle infected with foot and mouth disease were to be removed from their owners and that livestock markets would be allowed to reopen at the beginning of March, 2013.
Superintendent Benoit Nsengiyumva, the Eastern Region Police spokesperson said the temporary ban is intended to contain the likely spread of the disease.
He warned those that have failed to adhere to the orders, noting that it’s a crime.
Under Article 437 of the penal code, any person who causes the spreading of contagious diseases of domestic animals in the country, is liable to a term of imprisonment of one month but less than six months and a fine of Rwf100, 000 to Rwf1 million or one of these penalties.
“First, violating such orders might be a disaster to all farmers because such diseases can spread to all livestock in the region in short period. But it can also affect the economy because cattle products contribute to the country’s economy,” stated Superintendent Nsengiyumva.
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