Livestock Population 11,736 Heads, Riau Meranti Islands Still Alert Even Though Zero PMK

Illustration of anticipating the spread of mouth and nail disease (FMD) in cattle. (Between)

RIAU - Meranti Islands Regency, Riau Province, remains vigilant even though there has not been found mouth and nail disease (FMD) in livestock. The livestock population in the area is in the thousands.

"Regarding the increase in FMD in livestock, so far no cases have been found in the Meranti Islands region," said Head of Livestock at the Meranti Islands Food Security and Agriculture Service, Herman in Selatpanjang, quoted by Antara, Thursday, May 19.

Based on data from the Department of Food Security and Agriculture of the Meranti Islands, the total population of livestock in Meranti is 11,736, consisting of 3,929 cows, 7,798 goats and 9 buffalo.

"We have provided education to breeders and sub-district heads. Then, every animal that will enter must go through quarantine in the province for 14 days. If any animal is detected by FMD, a blood test will be carried out first in the laboratory of the Animal Husbandry Service of Riau Province," said Herman .

Herman also advised that if you find any symptoms of disease in the livestock in question in the field, you should immediately report it to his office.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Animal and Plant Agriculture Quarantine Office in the Selatpanjang working area, Abdul Azis Nasution, said that currently Riau Province is focusing on LSD and FMD in livestock. Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is an infectious skin disease caused by Lumpy Skin Disease Virus which generally attacks cattle and buffalo.

"For the time being, based on the Circular, livestock originating from within the province may enter the area. Livestock from outside the province, especially those from infected areas, the Quarantine Center will not allow entry," he said.