Two Cows Positive For PMK, Livestock Market In West Pasaman Temporarily Closed

PASAMAN BARAT - The Department of Food Crops, Horticulture and Livestock (DTPHP) of West Pasaman Regency, West Sumatra, has decided to temporarily close the Simpang Tiga Ophir Livestock Market, West Pasaman Regency, West Sumatra (Sumbar).

The closure was related to the discovery of two cows exposed to Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).

"From the laboratory results, two cows were positive for FMD. Meanwhile, five cows were clinically indicated for FMD. The closure of the livestock market is an effort to reduce its spread," said Head of the West Pasaman TPHP Office, Doddy San Ismail, at Simpang Empat, Saturday.

According to him, the two cows indicated by PMK are in Kinali District. Currently, the slag has been quarantined at their respective locations.

In addition, said Doddy, his party also treats positive livestock and is indicated by PMK.

"If there is no increase or decrease in cases in the next two weeks, then the Simpang Tiga Ophir Livestock Market will immediately reopen considering that Eid al-Adha is getting closer," he said.

During the market closing period, the relevant agencies will conduct a number of observations on livestock, especially cattle and goats in West Pasaman.

In addition, the West Pasaman Agriculture and Livestock Service has set a policy to limit the acceptance of livestock originating from outside West Pasaman.

"We will also place restrictions on livestock that will be sold, but those from outside West Pasaman. Therefore, a number of screening efforts will be carried out on livestock that will enter from outside West Pasaman," he said.

He said that livestock indicated for FMD had symptoms of hypersalivation, fever, scratched or hoofed wounds, tremors, and sores on the mouth and nose.

Doddy appealed to farmers to report to animal health officers if their cattle have symptoms of fever, sores on the inside of the mouth, sores on the feet, and excessive saliva production.

"We have gone down to the location of the cattle and taken quick action so that the disease does not develop," he said.