Uganda is on the verge of declaring an end to the Ebola virus outbreak that emerged late last year and has claimed the lives of at least 56 people.

If no new case is reported by this Tuesday, the Health Ministry said it would formally announce the end of the outbreak on Wednesday. According to the World Health Organisation, an outbreak of the disease ends when there are no new cases for 42 consecutive days, twice the incubation period of Ebola. Meanwhile, the Nwoya District Veterinary department has commenced with the vaccination of cattle to avert a possible spread of Foot and Mouth Disease in the country.

The move follows the suspected outbreak of the highly viral livestock disease at a farm adjacent to River Nile in Nyamokino Parish, Lungulu sub-county two weeks ago. According to veterinary officials, more than 50 cattle reportedly presented with signs and symptoms of the disease at the livestock farm.More from our correspondent in Uganda, Mike Arereng.