Thousands Of Livestock In East Lombok Affected By FMD

One of the cattle belonging to a resident affected by the FMD outbreak in Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). ANTARA/Akhyar

LOMBOK TIMUR - The government of East Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) noted that based on temporary data, thousands of cattle have been infected with mouth and nail disease (PMK).

"As many as 2,800 positive cases have been recorded so far," said Head of the Animal Health Division of the East Lombok Disnakkeswan, drh Hultatang, quoted by Antara, Wednesday, May 25.

The case of Foot and Mouth Disease that attacks cattle is still not under control, and the case has even begun to spread in 21 sub-districts in East Lombok.

The spread of the PMK outbreak started from Aikmel District which spread to Wanasaba, Pringgabaya to Sembalun Districts.

The team has been deployed in 21 sub-districts in East Lombok Regency to carry out treatment and take anticipatory steps for animals that are still healthy so they don't get infected with FMD.

"The highest cases are in Pringgebaya sub-district as many as 600 individuals," he said.

In mid-June, the government will bring in the PMK vaccine so that it is hoped that it can prevent a wider spread.

"The current anticipation is only with treatment and spraying disinfectants," he said.

Previously, the Head of the Livestock and Animal Health Service of East Lombok Regency, Ir Mashyur, said that to prevent the spread of PMK, the local government closed the animal market for three weeks, and temporarily closed every cattle pen. The only way to break the chain of spread is to close all access that limits the mobility of farmers.

"This step is the only way to break the chain of transmission while working on a vaccine for livestock," he said.

He also appealed to farmers not to panic and to be patient, not because of this epidemic. Breeders sell their livestock at low prices, especially since the potential for recovery from PMK in East Lombok is high.

"Farmers should not panic first, have more patience, and increase vigilance by complying with all government directives," he said.