5 Checkpoints Built, Riau Tightens Access For Sacrificial Animals To Anticipate FMD

RIAU - At least five checkpoints were established in Riau Province to anticipate the entry of livestock with indications of foot and mouth disease (FMD).

Head of the Riau Animal Husbandry and Health Service (PKH), Herman, said five checkpoints were set up on the inter-provincial border ahead of the flow of sacrificial animals for the 2022 Eid al-Adha.

The points are in Rokan Hilir and Rokan Hulu, which are directly adjacent to North Sumatra, in Koto Kampar which borders West Sumatra, and in Kuantan Singingi (Kuansing).

"Other checkpoints are at Selensen, Indragiri Hilir, which is the entrance from Lampung and Java," he said in Riau, quoted from Antara, Thursday, June 16.

Herman said, in addition to anticipating the entry of cattle infected with FMD into Riau, this checkpoint is also to monitor the traffic of sacrificial cattle to Riau from neighboring provinces. The checkpoint or post will also monitor cows exposed to Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD).

Based on data from the Riau PKH Office, the total number of PMK cases in Riau reached 130 cases. Hundreds of cows infected with FMD were spread across five regencies, namely in Rokan Hulu, Siak, Indragiri Hilir, Kampar, and Bengkalis regencies. PMK cases in Riau were found in 8 sub-districts and 8 villages.

"Farm animals exposed to FMD in Riau were mostly found in Bengkalis Regency with the number of cases reaching 69 cases. Then in Inhil 21 cases, Siak 19 cases, Kampar 16 cases and in Rohul 5 cases," he said.

Head of the Animal Health Division, Riau PKH Office, drh Faralinda added, of the 130 cows exposed to the FMD, 36 have recovered. The results of the sample examination were negative. However, the cow is still isolated because even though it has recovered and is negative, the potential for transmission can still occur.

"The cow is still isolated, it cannot be released before being vaccinated, because even though it is negative, the potential for transmission is still there. However, his health condition has improved," he said.

Fara said, currently one cow has been found in Riau which died as a result of being attacked by PMK. The case was found in Kampar Regency.

"In general, cases of PMK in Riau are categorized as mild to moderate. They do not have severe symptoms, so the healing process is also faster," he said.