The National Drug Authority (NDA) has uncovered the presence of counterfeit and unauthorized foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccines on the market.
According to Abiaz Rwamwiri, the NDA spokesperson, the vaccines trading under the brand names “Purified FMD Fotivax Foot and Mouth Disease” and “National Veterinary Institute Foot and Mouth Disease Broad Spectrum Vaccine” were discovered during post-surveillance activities.
“This is a matter of great concern as these products have not undergone NDA’s approval processes, and therefore, we cannot guarantee their safety, quality, and efficacy,” said Rwamiwiri.
The NDA conducted thorough post-market surveillance and confirmed the existence of these counterfeit and unapproved FMD vaccines in circulation.
Rwamiwiri stressed the importance of public awareness about this alarming development, particularly in light of the ongoing FMD outbreak in certain parts of the country.
Rwamiwiri further explained that the procurement and importation of FMD vaccines are exclusively carried out by the government through the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF).
The distribution of these vaccines is handled by district local governments through their respective district veterinary offices.
To safeguard public safety and combat the proliferation of counterfeit drugs, Rwamwiri urged individuals to remain vigilant.
The government recently took decisive steps in the battle against FMD by approving a comprehensive strategy presented by the ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries.
This strategy includes the procurement of 10 million doses of FMD vaccine, aiming to scale up ring vaccination in both affected and high-risk neighboring districts.
However, concerns have been raised about the quarantine enforced by the Ministry, which restricts the movement of livestock and livestock products in the 32 districts where FMD has been detected.
This highlights the severity of the situation and the government’s commitment to contain the outbreak.
With approximately 40 million livestock in Uganda, the country faces significant challenges posed by FMD, a viral disease that causes fever and blister-like sores on cloven-hoofed livestock and wildlife.
The disease leads to severe production losses, underscoring the importance of the government’s proactive strategy in protecting the nation’s agricultural sector.