Puan Monitors Cattle Vaccination In Pasuruan, Where More Than 2,500 Are Infected With PMK

DPR Chair Puan Maharani in Pasuruan (Doc DPR Photo)

JAKARTA - The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, monitors vaccinations at a cow's milk production center in East Java. The vaccination was carried out at the Setia Kawan Dairy Farm Cooperative (KPSP), Pasuruan, as an effort to anticipate the spread of foot and mouth disease (PMK) in livestock.

Puan's arrival was received by the Chairman of KPSP Setia Kawan, Ir Sulis. Puan witnessed firsthand the vaccination process for healthy cows in sterile cages.

“I want to see firsthand the impact of PMK. Moreover, Pasuruan is the largest producer of cow's milk in East Java, so we must anticipate," said Puan in a written statement, Thursday, June 16.

The vaccination for cattle at KPSP Setia Kawan is the first in East Java since the outbreak of FMD. There are 1,000 doses prepared by the Government for the vaccination program.

As a supporter of the economy in Pasuruan, it is said that KPSP Setia Kawan must receive attention. Puan received a report that 2,573 of the more than 23 thousand cows at KPSP Setia Kawan were affected by FMD. 23 tails died and 872 tails have been declared cured.

“Continue the steps that have been taken to overcome PMK, including spraying disinfectants, giving vitamins and drugs, as well as vaccinations. We must also intensify education to the public in overcoming this livestock disease," he explained.

KPSP Setia Kawan said, PMK had caused a decrease in milk production by 15 tons in a day. The outbreak of PMK has also made the Cattle Market near KPSP Setia Kawan closed to avoid contagion. Usually the Cow Market is opened twice a week.

Therefore, more than 10 thousand farmers who are members of KPSP Setia Kawan hope that there will be an acceleration of vaccination for all cows.

“I have coordinated with the Ministry of Agriculture so that now I can bring vaccines and medicines. The availability of vaccines for livestock is still limited, but we have pushed for acceleration," said Puan.

The former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture added that the government must optimize the provision of vitamins for cows while waiting for the continuation of vaccination. Moreover, said Puan, Muslims will soon celebrate Eid al-Adha which is synonymous with slaughtering cows and goats for sacrifice.

"Ahead of Eid al-Adha, efforts must be made so that the spread of PMK can be stopped. It needs to be properly guarded, so that livestock for sacrifice are not affected by PMK. There must be control from the Ministry and related agencies," said Puan.

According to Puan, supervision at slaughterhouses and sellers of sacrificial animals must be tightened. Socialization to sacrificial animal slaughterers and the public also needs to be encouraged.

"This is to maintain public health," he said.

The arrival of Puan, who was accompanied by the Chairperson of Commission IV DPR Sub-dept., was warmly welcomed by dozens of cattle breeders, members of KPSP, Setia Kawan. He listened to the complaints of a number of cattle breeders in front of the nursery and milk processing facilities as well as inspecting the isolation cages for cows affected by FMD.

The cattle farmers were grateful to be visited by Puan who came with medicine and vaccines for their cows.

Meanwhile, the Regent of Pasuruan, Irsyad Yusuf, revealed that his party had taken a number of anticipatory steps to stop the spread of PMK. Starting from blocking livestock traffic, to providing a special hotline for breeders.

"We are grateful for the help of medicines for sick livestock and also vaccinations to prevent FMD transmission," said Irsyad Yusuf.