"Of the total cases of livestock infected with foot and mouth disease, (there are) 502 cases. Currently, 80 percent, or around 400 animals, have (made recovery)," head of the Tangerang Agriculture and Food Security Office, Asep Jatnika, stated in Tangerang on Tuesday.
Jatnika noted that ever since the discovery of cases of infection in Tangerang District on June 25, his administration immediately addressed the situation by conducting quarantine and giving medicine and vitamins to the sick animals.
They also routinely sterilize and disinfect cages and animal nurseries to prevent further spread of the virus.
Jatnika said that after all the efforts were made, more than a hundred livestock were suspected of being infected by the virus, all of which were still in the recovery process. Thus, people and breeders should not harbor excessive concern.
"We urge the public to report if an animal suspected of being infected by FMD is found among their livestock, while there is still time for us to give treatment, and later, when it is the time for the Eid sacrifice, they are really healthy," he stated.
He remarked that the Tangerang district government, Banten Province, has currently received 600 doses of the FMD vaccine, which will be administered to split-hoofed livestock with healthy conditions, with the objective of limiting the spread of animal diseases effectively.
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"Now, we have received 600 doses of the FMD vaccine from the (central government), which is used for the first stage of the first vaccine for animals," he stated.
The FMD vaccination for livestock in Tangerang District will be conducted in three stages: the first, second, and booster or the third stage.
As for livestock subjected to a medical examination and are of sufficient age, a certificate would be issued as a sign that the animal was healthy and fit for consumption.
"Obviously, for the need for vaccines, we really require a lot. (This is) because from the population data alone, there are 58 thousand. Hence, we need about 60 percent of the vaccine doses," he concluded.
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Translator: Azmi S M, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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