Commission IV: African Babi Fever Makes People Panic, Don't Make People Participate In "Demam"

Officers are taking samples to be examined regarding the findings of Singapore which stated that the pig from Bulan Island, Batam, was hit by African swine flu. BETWEEN ANTARA/HO-Ministry

JAKARTA - Commission IV of the Indonesian House of Representatives encourages the Government to overcome the rise of the African Swine Fever (ASF) virus that attacks pigs. This is because this virus is quite worrying, especially for people who usually consume pork every day.

"Don't make people join the 'demam' because of this problem. Now people are making it difficult. Beef is expensive, the price of eggs and chicken goes up, plus pork is difficult because of the virus. What do people want to eat?" complained Member of Commission IV DPR, Daniel Johan, Wednesday, May 24.

This African Babi Fever case became a scene when the virus was discovered on the island of the Moon, Batam, Riau Islands. The reason is, Pulau Bulan is the only area that sends live pigs outside Indonesia.

The virus then spread in several areas in the Riau Islands, Singkawang City, West Kalimantan Province, to a number of areas in South Sulawesi and North Sulawesi Provinces. The emergence of the African Babi Fever virus was reported by the World Animal Health Organization (WHO) in early May.

Although no cases of human transmission have been found, this virus is known to have a very high transmission rate. The virus can cause up to 100 percent death in the infected livestock community.

Commission IV of the House of Representatives in charge of agricultural/cultural and trade affairs also asked the Government to intensify socialization to the public about the dangers of the ASF virus. Daniel said that security guarantees from the Government are important to ease public concerns.

"The government must be able to explain in detail that this disease is not contagious to humans so as not to cause fear in the community. Intensify socialization and education for the safety of the community," he said.

"Education about the characteristics of animals exposed to the virus and how to deal with animals exposed to the virus, especially to farmers, is also very important so that they can anticipate it and prevention can be carried out effectively," added Daniel.

The legislator from the West Kalimantan electoral district also emphasized the importance of vaccines for pigs as a measure to anticipate the spread of the virus. Daniel also asked the Government to provide vitamins for pigs to farmers.

"Moreover, the massive spread of the virus has caused the export of pork from Indonesia to decrease. People who are already difficult, don't make it difficult anymore because of the lack of health problems in livestock," he said.

As a result of the findings of the African swine fever virus in Indonesia, the export value of Indonesian pigs to several countries such as Singapore was reported to have decreased by more than 50%.

"As one of the commodities that boosts the country's foreign exchange, the government must have a solution to its prevention. Both from preventing the spread, handling sick animals, and anticipating other viruses," said Daniel.

On the other hand, Commission IV of the House of Representatives reminded industry players and breeders not to sell pigs infected with African Babi Fever. Daniel emphasized that strict supervision must be carried out.

"Don't let animals contract the virus be found on the market. Random checks must continue to be carried out on farms or in places that sell pork," he said.

To people who usually consume pigs, Daniel appealed to always be vigilant when buying meat. If meat is sold cheaply or away from normal prices, people are asked to have suspicions.

"And make sure when managing the meat it has to be cooked perfectly," said Daniel.

To avoid the emergence of various diseases, the Government is also asked to improve health governance for livestock to avoid various diseases. Given, said Daniel, pork is one of the processed which is widely consumed by people in certain areas.

For certain community groups and in certain areas, meat is a source of protein that becomes daily malan. So the problem of this virus must be taken seriously," he said.

Daniel asked the Government to cooperate with footed stakeholders to continue educating farmers about animal health. Starting from food, vaccines and vitamins that are consistently provided, as well as the cleanliness of livestock cages.

Furthermore, Daniel advised all breeders in Indonesia to oversee the spread of the ASF virus together. With the cooperation of all parties, he believes that the various problems that arise can be handled properly.

"There is no need to panic, but let's face this problem together. With a close collaboration between the community, the government, the DPR and all other elements of the nation, there will definitely be a solution to every problem," concluded Daniel.