Klaten, Central Java (ANTARA) - For the early stage of foot and mouth disease (FMD) vaccination, Klaten District, Central Java, will distribute 2,200 doses of vaccine for the livestock.

"We received an allocation from the Agriculture Ministry. In this first phase, there are as many as 2,200 doses. There is a deadline for this first phase of the vaccine, which is (set on) July 2, 2022," Head of Klaten District Sri Mulyani stated on Tuesday.

She noted that Klaten District required 70 thousand doses of FMD vaccine from a total of 108 thousand cattle and 106 thousand goats.

"Therefore, we request for a large allocation for Klaten District. We expect that the second phase can also be (pushed), so that livestock in Klaten District can recover quickly and avoid the (spread of the) FMD virus," she stated.

She remarked that the virus had spread rampantly in as many as 20 sub-districts in Klaten, thereby placing them in the red category, or dangerous. Initially, four animals were infected, but they had made a recovery.

"There are 1,995 suspects in total. Some 722 have recovered, so currently, there are 853 suspects," Mulyani stated.

Head of the Klaten Food and Agriculture Security Office, Widiyanti, pointed out that the FMD virus in Klaten was first discovered on May 11, 2022.

"Furthermore, as a preventive measure, we conduct surveillance, treatment, (and also) provide information and education to the public. In addition, we spray disinfectant in the animal market and on livestock cages," she explained.

Her administration will dispatch 47 personnel segregated into 12 teams to conduct the FMD vaccination program.

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"Today, it was done simultaneously in various villages. According to the directives, livestock may not be gathered in one place, as (it places them at risk), so vaccinations are conducted from (place to place), so it takes more energy and time," she explained.

On the same occasion, the head of Klaten District saw firsthand the vaccination program in Socokangsi Village, Jatinom Sub-District, Klaten District, in one of the cages owned by residents.

Animal owner, Satrio Wahyu Ramadhan, expressed delight on receiving the vaccine from the government.

"(This is) so that the animals can stay healthy. Thank God, so far, no one has been infected. Every day, I always bathe the livestock, clean the cage, and once a week, I give herbs, so that the cows' immune system is maintained. The herbs are ginger and palm sugar," he stated.

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Translator: Aris Wasita, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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