Bandung (ANTARA) - West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil appealed to the public to not harbor concerns over the detection of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in sacrificial animals ahead of Eid al-Adha 1443 Hijriah/2022 AD.

Kamil ensured that the handling of FMD virus infections in West Java will be conducted optimally by accelerating vaccination.

"I remind the people to stay calm. Animal FMD in West Java has been handled well before Eid next month. Do not worry," Kamil stated after reviewing FMD vaccination for cattle in Cilembu Village, Sumedang District, on Monday.

He later explained that the implementation of FMD vaccination for livestock in West Java was conducted in three stages: the first, second, and booster injections.

"Just like COVID-19 vaccination. There will be the first, second, and booster shot," the governor added.

He revealed that a certificate will be attached to the neck of farm animals that were checked and categorized as healthy and mature enough.

"All healthy cows will have a certificate that can be checked using a cell phone. It would indicate that the animal is safe to consume," Kamil remarked.

Related news: Agriculture Minister leads FMD vaccination for cattle in Central Java

The FMD vaccination target in West Java this week is two thousand cows in five cattle center areas of Bandung District, West Bandung District, Garut District, Kuningan District, and Sumedang District.

"The target for vaccination this week is two thousand heads of cattle throughout West Java in the top five cattle centers," Kamil explained.

So far, 40 percent of the livestock in West Java exposed to FMD have been declared cured. The governor expressed hope that with a high recovery rate, the spread of the FMD virus would be controlled as soon as possible

"Some 40 percent of those exposed have recovered. With this improved recovery rate, it is hoped that we can control this FMD as soon as possible," he noted.

Meanwhile, Kamil stated that from the total of 76 thousand dairy cows in West Java, FMD infection would affect 80 percent of the milk supply needed by the community.

"If one dairy cow is affected by FMD, its production can drop by up to 80 percent. Hence, it will greatly affect the milk supply in West Java, which we need every day," he added.

Related news: Government expedites FMD vaccination for livestock to control outbreak

Translator: Ajat Sudrajat, Resinta S
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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