What is important is that everyone leaving and entering a cage or a farm should be free from the FMD virus
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Food-and-mouth Disease (FMD) Handling Task Force Expert Team Coordinator Wiku Adisasmito noted that biosecurity measures can protect against FMD infection in the event of lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), vaccine, and medication.

"The first (line of defense) is PPE. If PPEs do not yet exist or are inadequate, then biosecurity (measures) can be applied through routine disinfection," he noted through a written statement on Saturday.

Every worker entering or leaving a cage or farm should be sprayed first. Workers should also ensure that their footwear is clean through disinfection in order to maintain cleanliness around animals.

"What is important is that everyone leaving and entering a cage or a farm should be free from the FMD virus. That is the principle," he affirmed.

Since an animal cage is a relatively unclean environment, efforts must be made to ensure that the virus is not brought in or spreads out of the cage.

Biosecurity is a new term that enters the public realm due to the spread of FMD. However, it should be noted that during the COVID-19 pandemic, biosecurity testing is performed on domestic and overseas travelers.

"Now, for this FMD, we use biosecurity (measures) because we wish to ensure that the virus is not brought in or out. Hence, the people should understand this aspect," Adisasmito remarked.

He also noted that animal markets will be momentarily closed, as FMD cases had yet to be brought under control.

In future, only animal markets that already applied biosecurity measures can be opened through the Animal Health Clarification Letter (SKKH).

If biosecurity is well-maintained in regions, then the number of cases will be brought under control, and the zero-case target can be achieved.

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Translator: Devi Nindy S R, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Sri Haryati
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