9 Sheep In Sleman Exposed To FMD, Initial Symptoms Are Diarrhea, Swollen And Red Lips

One of the sheep in Sleman Regency exposed to FMD. (ANTARA/HO-Humas Sleman)

SLEMAN - A total of nine sheep belonging to a resident in the group pen in Kapanewon (District) Berbah, Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta Special Region were tested positive for mouth and foot disease (FMD), Saturday, May 21.

Responding to this incident, Sleman Regent Kustini Sri Purnomo again reminded the public not to buy livestock from outside Sleman Regency. "The findings were confirmed by the Wates Veterinary Center (BBVet) on May 20," he said.

Previously, the Department of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries (DP3) of Sleman Regency had sent samples to be tested due to reports of one sheep showing symptoms of illness.

"So on May 6, a sheep reported symptoms of illness, diarrhea, lack of appetite, swollen and red lips, and a wet scab which was handled by the Puskeswan in Berbah. After observation, a swab sample was taken to be tested for FMD PCR," he said.

He said that from the first sheep swab sample test, on May 18, BBVet Wates confirmed that he was positive for FMD. Two days later DP3 Sleman together with BBVet Wates conducted a field investigation and took swab and blood serum samples.

"Of the 15 samples tested at BBVet Wates, the results were nine sheep were tested positive and six others were negative," he added.

Kustini said, based on a search from the owner of the sheep, the two positive sheep were recently purchased from Bantul Regency and put into a cage with seven other sheep.

"From the owner's statement, the sheep were purchased from residents in the Bantul area on April 30. But one day earlier the sheep had just arrived from Garut, West Java. So it can be said that the transmission of this FMD case was caused by livestock from outside Sleman," he said.

From these findings, Kustini emphasized that the Sleman Regency Government had taken integrated handling steps since reports of sick cattle were found until they were declared positive. Among them by providing supportive treatment in the form of vitamins A, D, E, disinfection of equipment, and cage area every day.

"We have also asked for the cleanliness of the cage to be considered. Because it can also be the beginning of the disease which can then attack livestock," he said.

Currently, one lamb that was initially positive is in good condition and wants to eat. "While the other eight tails are asymptomatic and in good health," he said.

He said the livestock population in Sleman Regency currently reaches 99,929 consisting of beef cattle, dairy cattle, buffalo, goats, sheep, and pigs.

And there are around 820 livestock groups ranging from beef cattle, dairy cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs, all of which are supervised by the Sleman DP3.

Reflecting on this incident, Kustini requested that farmers and the community in Sleman temporarily refrain from buying livestock from outside Sleman. As well as carrying out routine disinfection in independent cages and groups to prevent disease.

"For now, I really emphasize not to buy or import livestock from outside Sleman first. The Sleman Regency Government has also created a monitoring and supervision team for livestock traffic for supervision. And involves related elements so that they can respond quickly to community reports in every Kapanewon," he said.