Dozens Of Cows In Riau Islands Province Exposed To FMD

Livestock in the midst of the threat of mouth and foot disease (FMD). (Between)

KEPRI - A total of 15 cows in Batam City, Riau Islands Province (Kepri) were declared exposed to an outbreak of mouth and nail disease (FMD) based on the test results of the Bukittinggi Veterinary Center (Bavet) on July 3, 2022.

"With the release of test results from the Bavet Bukittinggi, it was stated that 15 cows were infected with FMD," said Head of the Riau Islands Provincial Government Food Security, Agriculture and Health (DKP2KH) Rika Azmi in Tanjungpinang, quoted from Antara, Wednesday, July 6.

Rika Azmi stated that the cattle affected by FMD were imported from outside the Riau Islands Province, namely Central Lampung.

He conveyed that the condition of the cow has now improved, because it has been treated with vitamins, ecoenzymes and herbal medicine.

"We have taken anticipatory steps so that the cows infected with FMD do not spread to other livestock," he said.

According to the directives of the PMK Task Force, he continued, regencies/cities in the Riau Islands region are not allowed to bring in animals or animal products from red zone areas, especially Batam.

"The traffic of sacrificial animals from the Batam area is prohibited," he added.

In addition, the PMK Task Force also asked districts/cities to isolate sick and suspected livestock animals.

Then, handle sick livestock by giving vitamins and other supports as an effort to handle and control FMD outbreaks.

"Do periodically disinfect the cages to farm animals, such as cows and goats," he concluded.