Initially Only 15 Cows, Now 59 Cows In Agam, West Sumatra, Are Exposed To Foot And Mouth Disease

Illustration-Officers inspect cows in Agam, West Sumatra (Photo: Via ANTARA)

AGAM - The Agriculture Service of Agam Regency, West Sumatra, noted that the number of cattle belonging to local residents suspected of being infected with the mouth and nail disease virus (PMK) increased to 59 heads.

"Previously, the total number of cows owned by residents who contracted PMK was only 15 heads and an increase of 44 heads for a total of 59 heads," said Head of the Animal Health and Veterinary Public Health Division of the Agam Agriculture Service, Farid Muslim in Lubukbasung, Antara, Monday, May 23.

A total of 59 cows were spread over 10 of the 16 sub-districts in the area. Meanwhile, for the six sub-districts, namely, Palupuh, Ampekkoto, Malalak, Ampeknagari, Sungaipua and Banuhampu sub-districts, there has been no PMK report.

The 59 cows showed symptoms such as high fever, excessive foaming of saliva, bleeding gums and inflammation of the hooves.

"The mouth and hoof disease was discovered on Wednesday (five days ago) and this is only a temporary suspicion of the disease suffered by the cow," he said.

He added that the team had taken samples in the form of blood, nasal mucus and scars on the nails. After that, the samples were taken to the Bukittinggi Veterinary Center for inspection.

The sample was taken as many as 10 cows by tracking, because the cost is quite large for inspection of Rp. 500 thousand per head. "The sample results have not been released, because quite a lot of samples are in the laboratory and we hope that in the next few days they will be released," he said.

He admitted that the cattle infected with PMK were reported daily to the livestock extension workers at the Regional Technical Implementation Unit (UPTD).

The local government's Rapid Response Unit team carries out extra handling every day to the cow and reports on the current condition of the cattle.

However, farmers are advised to provide additional food to the cows in the form of sugar water, rice and others, so that the cows have energy.

"The cause of death from foot and mouth disease is very low and the most important thing is that farmers provide food to the cows at all times," he said.

After that, farmers are also advised to spray disinfectant liquid into the cages and always clean the cages.

If there are symptoms of FMD, immediately report it to the nearest animal health officer. "Until today, there have been no reports of cow deaths due to PMK," he said.