Ministry works with BNPB, TNI-Polri to control FMD

Makassar, South Sulawesi (ANTARA) - Agriculture Minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo stated that foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) handling requires cooperation between all parties and joint preventive action. Thus, his ministry is now working with the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) as well as the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) and the National Police (Polri).

"We have built coordination with BNPB regarding FMD handling. TNI and Polri are also taking part in our effort," he said during a visit to Pabaeng-baeng Market in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Monday.

“(Controlling) FMD is not an easy matter. It spreads through the air and can transmit to animal cages and to those who are in close contact with infected animals," he noted.

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The former South Sulawesi Governor expressed the hope that FMD handling in a number of areas, especially red zones, would prioritize coordination with related parties as an appropriate and immediate preventive measure.

"We are working to reduce FMD cases. We can regulate the isolation of livestock in the red areas or even slaughter infected livestock with certain conditions," he added.

However, Limpo said he had not received information regarding FMD infection in sacrificial animals during Eid al-Adha, although in Toraja area, South Sulawesi, 17 buffaloes were suspected of contracting FMD.

"Until today, I have not received information regarding FMD in sacrificial animals. We slaughter the animals according to the existing health requirements," he added.

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Earlier, head of the Maros Veterinary Service, Risman Mangidi, had said that dozens of buffaloes in Toraja district were suspected to have contracted FMD. A veterinary team had taken samples from the buffaloes for examination.

"Indeed there are buffaloes with FMD symptoms. The team is currently waiting for the results of the examination," Mangidi informed.

Meanwhile, head of the South Sulawesi Animal Husbandry and Animal Health Service, Nurlina Saking, said that the service is still awaiting the results of the examination of the buffaloes in Toraja. As a precautionary measure, animal movement from Toraja has been temporarily closed.

"We agree to stop animal shipments from Toraja district to other regions as an effort to prevent transmission until the situation is under control," Saking added.INE)

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Editor: Fardah Assegaf