Unknown Cattle Disease Threatening Livestock in Rwimbogo, Gatsibo District

Some cattle breeders in Rwimbogo Sector, Gatsibo District, are concerned about an unknown disease rapidly affecting their livestock, causing cows to die within three days of infection. Despite reports to veterinarians seeking a cure, no solution has been found.

Farmers have attempted to identify this disease, which they refer to as Gashangu or Gasheshe, noting that affected cows develop a dry stomach. They describe the condition as lethal, with cows showing signs of stomach drying and rapid decline.

Sibomana James from Ndama Village explained, “It affects the stomach of a cow, which dries up. When you cut it open, the stomach is dry, and there’s no effective treatment. The cow can live two or three days and then die.”

Similarly, Makuza Charles from Munini Village said, “The cow doesn’t defecate, and it stops for two days before dying.”

According to Kayumba John, Director of the Rwanda Agricultural and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) Nyagatare Station, the disease is identified as Anaplasmosis. He advised farmers to regularly sterilize and deworm their cattle: “Gasheshe is caused by Anaplasmosis.”

As livestock losses continue to mount, farmers are calling for urgent measures to combat this deadly disease, which threatens their livelihoods and the local economy.