Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is a deadly and contagious viral infection that affects all cloven-hoofed animals, such as cows, buffaloes, pigs, goats, sheep, and even wild animals like elephants and deer.
The FMD cases in livestock (goats and cows) in Indonesia have yet to be effectively addressed, necessitating comprehensive and sustainable eradication efforts.
In response to this issue, UGM students now taking community service (KKN-PPM) in Banyumas collaborated with the Livestock Office of Banyumas Regency to conduct an FMD vaccination program for goats in Kalisalak Village, Kedungbanteng District.
The vaccination took place on Tuesday (1/8) in three neighborhoods and allowed approximately 100 goats to be vaccinated.
“We express our gratitude to the students taking community service here and veterinarians who spent the whole day carrying out goat vaccination in Kalisalak Village from one end to the other of Windusari,” said Head of Windusari Hamlet II, Kiswanto.
Kiswanto accompanied and assisted in the activity, which lasted from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. He hoped this activity would help reduce the transmission chain of FMD in Indonesia, particularly in Kalisalak Village.
Most of the residents of Kalisalak Village are engaged in livestock farming as their primary source of livelihood.
Prior to conducting the vaccination, UGM students prepared data, including the National Identification Number of goat owners, the number of goats, the age of goats, and the gender of goats that would be vaccinated.
“Out of the three neighborhoods in Kalisalak Village, there are 16 breeders who agreed to vaccinate their goats,” said UGM student Zania Mashuro.
“We also gathered data of breeders who do not want their goats to be vaccinated to enhance the livestock population data in Kedungbanteng District.”
She further explained that representatives from the Fisheries and Livestock Office were also involved in the vaccination program, traveling around the village. Although some breeders hesitated to vaccinate their goats, many were enthusiastic.
“There were also residents who were not initially registered but requested their goats to be vaccinated,” she added.
Author: UGM Community Service Team in Banyumas
Editor: Gloria