Hopefully, with the involvement of the team of veterinarians, we can anticipate the spread of FMD
Tangerang, Banten (ANTARA) - The Tangerang district government has involved hundreds of doctors in monitoring and anticipating the spread of foot and mouth disease (FMD) among livestock that will be sacrificed for this year's Eid al-Adha.

"We will involve 90 doctors from the National Veterinary Association (PDHI), assisted by our 10 doctors. Thus, a total of 100 doctors (will be dispatched) to monitor and check animals for Eid al-Adha," Head of the Tangerang Agriculture and Food Security Office Asep Jatnika stated in Tangerang on Saturday.

Jatnika deemed it necessary to involve veterinarians to assist in identifying livestock that were either infected or suspected of having contracted FMD, so as to prevent transmission to other animals.

"Hopefully, with the involvement of the team of veterinarians, we can anticipate the spread of FMD," he remarked.

Jatnika will also involve all sub-district and village heads in the area to check and sanitize shelters where the sacrificial animals were sold.

"Of course, the sub-district and village leaders in Tangerang District will conduct surveillance in the livestock stalls," he stated.

The Tangerang District Agriculture and Food Security Office had until now found several cases of FMD among animals, he revealed. However, the infected animals were sent from other regions, such as Central Java and West Java.

Of the total 35 reported cases, five tested positive for FMD, with the remaining ones showing symptoms, he stated.

As for the local livestock, they were in good health, he confirmed.

Jatnika detailed the total population of livestock from 29 sub-districts in the area. There were 42,028 livestock, 2,594 of which were cows, 1,221 were buffaloes, 11,429 were goats, 26,300 were sheep, and 484 were pigs.

"These 42,028 animals were from 5,182 breeders in Tangerang District. This number will certainly increase again," he concluded.

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Translator: Azmi S M, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Sri Haryati
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