The Government Must Guarantee The Condition Of All Sacrificial Animals Not Infected With Diseases

Photo: (Doc. Public Relations Ministry of Transportation)

JAKARTA - The government must be able to ensure that the sacrificial animals that will be distributed to Eid al-Adha 2023 are in good health. The government is obliged to increase the distribution of vaccines for sacrificial animals in order to avoid the late-lato virus or the Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD).

The reason is the request for sacrificial animals: cows and goats increased dramatically ahead of the celebration of Lebaran Hajj.

"We encourage the Government to take proactive action to ensure strong protection against sacrificial animals during the 2023 Eid al-Adha celebration," said DPR RI Speaker Puan Maharani, Thursday, June 22.

As one of the sacrificial animals supplying areas, Banten Province, it is known that there are 332 animals infected with the LSD virus. Then in Sidoarjo, East Java, there were 250 sacrificial cows that also contracted the virus.

In addition, in Ciamis Regency, Sukabumi Regency and Depok City, West Java, sacrificial animals were also found infected with the LSD virus. A total of 103 animals were infected with viruses originating from vector insects, such as mosquitoes and ticks.

Therefore, Puan asked the government to increase the distribution of vaccines to farms in order to minimize the spread of the virus in sacrificial animals. That way, the sacrificial animals sold are healthier when consumed.

The action that can be taken is to increase the distribution of vaccines. The right vaccination and given at the right time can help protect these animals," said Puan.

The first woman to serve as Chair of the Indonesian House of Representatives also highlighted the request of the Lampung Provincial Government, which lacked 400-500 thousand LSD vaccines. Puan encouraged the Government to immediately provide assistance to local governments that lack vaccine stocks.

"Don't let the lack of vaccines later have an impact on the supply of sacrificial animals. The central government needs to accommodate the needs in the regions," said the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture.

Furthermore, Puan also asked the local government to tighten supervision of the sale of sacrificial animals. That way, no sacrificial animals are infected with the virus circulating in the community.

"The government must be able to ensure that all sacrificial animals sold are in good health. Local governments carry out the Animal Husbandry and Health Service must intensify animal examinations at the cages of farmers or stalls selling sacrificial animals," said Puan.

Although LSD is not contagious to humans, the animal meat infected with the virus is not suitable for consumption due to lack of protein nutrients. Therefore, Puan asked the Government to anticipate the presence of sacrificial animals infected with the virus but managed to escape to be sold on the market.

"By tightening supervision on livestock, the Government will anticipate the circulation of infected sacrificial animals. So people will feel safe when choosing sacrificial animals for Eid al-Adha celebrations," he said.

On the other hand, Puan asked breeders and sellers to keep the sacrificial animal shelters clean, including by separating sick animals from healthy animals. Sick animals must be quarantined.

"The process of distributing sacrificial animals must also be considered for cleanliness. Because viruses can be transmitted anywhere, for example on the way," said Puan.

"These preventive measures will help prevent the spread of the virus and maintain the health of sacrificial animals," he added.

Meanwhile, for the community, Puan appealed to buy sacrificial animals that have an Animal Health Certificate (SKKH) from the local government. With this letter, it means that the sacrificial animals have been examined by veterinarians, paramedics, or veterinaries and declared healthy.

"If you buy it in traders' stalls, make sure the sacrificial animal to be purchased has a special sticker from the Food Service or the Regional Government. If there is this special sticker, it means that the sacrificial animal that will be slaughtered meets the criteria so it is safe for consumption," said Puan.

With the right preventive measures, it is hoped that the Eid al-Adha 2023 celebration will run solemnly, full of blessings, and without any sacrificial animals affected by disease.

Bung Karno's grandson also reminded the Government to ensure the smooth celebration of Eid al-Adha next week. Puan asked the Government to cooperate with security forces and other related parties in maintaining the comfort of the community when performing Eid al-Adha prayers later, as well as during the process of cutting and distributing sacrificial animals.

"In the spirit of togetherness and concern for the health of sacrificial animals, let's make Eid al-Adha celebrations in 2023 a momentum to increase our awareness of the importance of maintaining animal health and preventing disease spread," he said.

"Hopefully all Muslims can celebrate Eid al-Adha calmly, safely, and smoothly. Let's welcome Eid al-Adha with gratitude, especially because we are now free from the COVID-19 pandemic," concluded Puan.