The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) has announced that it has lifted the quarantine that had been imposed to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease in Rubavu District, specifically in the sectors of Kanama, Nyakiliba, and Kanzenze.
In a statement released on November 16, 2025, RAB explained that this decision was made based on Law No. 54/2008 of 10/09/2008 governing the prevention and control of contagious animal diseases in Rwanda, particularly Articles 2 and 49, which define quarantine measures for foot-and-mouth disease and the conditions under which they can be lifted.
In October, RAB had announced measures that included suspending livestock trade and movement in the sectors of Kanama, Nyakiliba, and Kanzenze after the detection of foot-and-mouth disease.
RAB clarified that it found that the preventive and containment measures put in place to stop the spread of foot-and-mouth disease—detected in cattle captured in Muhungwe Forest bordering the sectors of Kanama, Nyakiriba, and Kanzenze—were effectively implemented, and no additional animals showed symptoms of the disease during the 21 days following the introduction of the control measures.
It stated: “The decision that had been taken to suspend the movement of cloven-hoofed animals (cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs) for any purpose (breeding, selling, slaughtering), as well as the trade of products derived from these animals in the mentioned sectors, has been lifted.”
It added: “Local authorities and livestock farmers are urged to continue ensuring the health of their animals and to report immediately whenever symptoms of foot-and-mouth disease or any other unusual animal disease—are observed or suspected.”
In the announcement, RAB also reminded residents and local leaders that grazing livestock in Muhungwe Forest is prohibited, and that livestock transportation must be done using vehicles and only during daytime.
