If we suspect a region (has FMD cases), we will strictly isolate it and (livestock) are not allowed to leave
Tangerang, Banten (ANTARA) - Agriculture Minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo pushed for a collaboration among stakeholders to suppress the transmission of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) infecting livestock, particularly ahead of Eid al-Adha in June.

"Regional authorities, the quarantine body, the police, and the customs office must work together to ensure the (livestock) availability during the Eid al-Adha," Limpo stated after his visit to the Jakarta I Fish Quarantine and Fishery Quality Control and Security Office here on Monday.

He highlighted that the success in suppressing the disease effectively last year proved that collaboration between stakeholders yielded a positive outcome to control FMD.

The current handling was among the best, and the disease occurrence has reduced by 99 percent, the minister stated. However, he warned the authority to not become complacent.

"Hence, all (livestock) movement before Eid al-Adha must be assisted and guided by the quarantine body at all ports to ensure our inter-insular (distribution) will be under control," Limpo remarked.

While highlighting that the government has sufficient vaccine stocks and ongoing vaccination proceeds well, he urged regional authorities and relevant agencies to bolster their monitoring to prevent the disease from infecting livestock.

"(Because) when livestock received the vaccine today, they cannot receive another jab on the next day, and they must wait for another three months," he remarked.

Limpo noted that his side has mapped regions with FMD cases, adding that the authority would impose strict isolation as a control measure for livestock suspected to be infected by the disease.

"We have the map. If we suspect a region (has FMD cases), we will strictly isolate it and (livestock) are not allowed to leave. Everyone must cooperate with the regional authority," the minister emphasized.

Related news: RI striving to eliminate costly livestock diseases with FAO support
Related news: BNPB to focus on quake mitigation, FMD handling
Related news: Ministry conducts FMD vaccination for Bantul farm animals

Translator: Azmi Syamsul M, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Sri Haryati
Copyright © ANTARA 2023