Livestock From Areas Affected By Mouth And Nail Diseases Prohibited From Entering Bantul

Veterinarians check the condition of cattle related to foot and mouth disease (PMK) in a cattle pen in the Murtigading Village area (Via ANTARA)

BANTUL - The Department of Food Security and Agriculture of Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta Special Region, temporarily does not accept livestock from outside the area in anticipation of an outbreak of mouth and nail disease (PMK).

"We also emphasize that Bantul Regency will not accept livestock from areas that have been found to be infected with FMD, such as those from East Java," said Head of the Bantul Agriculture and Food Security Agency, Joko Waluyo, after examining cattle at the cattle pens in the Sanden area, Bantul, Antara. Wednesday, May 18th.

According to him, this step is an anticipation so that the epidemic does not spread to Bantul, which is currently unaccounted for. It is hoped that the livestock in Bantul will be free from PMK ahead of the Eid al-Adha holiday where the sacrificial animal is slaughtered.

For livestock from outside the region where FMD outbreaks have not been found, his party will be selective, namely by requesting an animal health certificate (SKKH) from a veterinarian to ensure the health condition of the livestock.

"We temporarily do not provide SKKH for livestock exit, and even incoming livestock SKKH must be present, and even then while our livestock is isolated, we will isolate ourselves with the existing livestock," he said.

Thus, he said, in addition to ensuring the health condition of the livestock when they are in the group cage, when they are later exposed to any disease it will not spread to other livestock.

"So whether the cattle that come or enter Bantul are really healthy or not, it must be ascertained, because frankly Bantul is already in a tight grip, Kulon Progo already has PMK which happens to be only near the Galur area, so don't let it enter Bantul," he said.

He also said that he had formed a URC team (quick reaction unit) in each sub-district in Bantul, which was coordinated by veterinarians at the animal health center (Puskeswan), which is tasked with routinely monitoring and checking the condition of livestock in their area.

"And this inspection is one of our activities to make Bantul free of PMK. So the people of Bantul don't have to hesitate for Eid al-Adha, God willing, the livestock in Bantul Regency are healthy," he said.