A disease that causes abortions in animals and humans has broken out in Semliki wildlife reserve in Bundibugyo district.
Uganda Wildlife Authority executive director Dr. Arthur Mugisha said veterinary doctors suspect that the disease, Brucella Abortus, was spread by cattle brought in by refugees from the DR Congo.
"This disease has struck other protected areas in the past, but it has never occurred in Semliki," Mugisha said, adding that the disease is spread by unvaccinated livestock.
Mugisha said the disease, which causes swelling in the necks of animals, is not easy to treat.
He said livestock in the area was at risk because wild animals were not vaccinated and some were resistant to diseases.
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