Mouth And Nail Disease Spread, Speaker Of DPR Reminds Government To Ensure Stock Of Sacrificial Animals Is Safe And Do Not Import Cows

DPR chairman Puan Maharani/DOK PR DPR

JAKARTA - The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, has asked the government to seriously address the issue of the spread of foot and mouth disease (FMD) to livestock that has sprung up in a number of areas. Puan is worried that this PMK will have an impact on the meat supply chain if it is not resolved immediately, especially ahead of Eid al-Adha.

"We must be able to ensure that the stock of livestock for sacrifice on this year's Eid al-Adha is safe, even though PMK is spreading," said Puan in a written statement, Wednesday, May 18.

According to Puan, if PMK control is not carried out properly, farmers will suffer.

"And of course it will disrupt the meat supply chain which ultimately affects the community," he continued.

Puan also encouraged the central government to work together with local governments to anticipate so that the spread of PMK does not reach other regions.

"Although the mortality percentage for livestock due to FMD is not too high, if it is not handled optimally it will cause livestock prices to fall and affect the supply of meat," said Puan.

Even so, the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture asked farmers not to worry too much. Puan suggested that the most important thing is to always supervise livestock.

“This PMK can be treated. Immediately isolate livestock that are positive for PMK and treat them. Do not be moved until completely healed so as not to infect other livestock. And continue to coordinate with related agencies so that searches can be immediately carried out in surrounding areas, "Puan appealed.

The chairman of the PDIP DPP again reminded the government to continue to assist breeders in the midst of traffic restriction policies, as well as strict quarantine of livestock in an effort to stop the spread of PMK. Because he is worried that the tightening of livestock traffic will have a long impact on the meat supply chain.

“Many breeders complain that their livestock cannot be unloaded in some areas where PMK is spreading. This must be a concern because the longer the animal is detained on the ship, it will have an impact on their health and quality,” he said.

Puan also encouraged the government to listen to the aspirations of farmers who asked not to use the spread of PMK as an excuse to import cattle. He hopes that the government will continue to prioritize domestic livestock supplies.

“Socialization to prevent this disease must be intensified. Good procedures must be made, especially in the distribution of livestock during Eid al-Adha," concluded Puan.