The Food and Agriculture Office (DPKP) of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) reported that as of Jan. 1, 2025, 824 cattle were infected with Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), with 21 of them reported dead. This situation has naturally alarmed farmers.
Considering the rising number of FMD cases both in DIY and nationwide, UGM’s Faculty of Animal Science (Animal Science UGM) promptly established a task force as a preventive and responsive measure to address the FMD situation in DIY and across Indonesia.
“Due to the increasing number of FMD cases in DIY and nationally, the faculty decided to form a task force,” said the Dean of Animal Science UGM, Professor Budi Guntoro, on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.
According to Professor Guntoro, the FMD Task Force’s responsibilities include ensuring that FMD prevention and treatment can be carried out more swiftly and systematically.
The faculty team has conducted a preliminary survey at livestock sites affected by FMD in Gunungkidul.
“We have conducted an initial survey at the livestock locations affected by FMD,” added Professor Guntoro.
Another important step that needs to be taken concerning FMD, he said, is biosecurity.
Biosecurity refers to measures taken to prevent the transmission or contamination of diseases into or out of a location.
In this case, it aims to protect livestock from viruses at an early stage.
Ensuring the safety of livestock, humans, and the environment is a priority.
Therefore, concrete actions such as monitoring the movement in and out of barns and isolating livestock affected by FMD are necessary.
As is known, hundreds of livestock, especially cattle in DIY, have been infected with FMD, with several deaths reported.
FMD cases have been reported in Gunungkidul, Bantul, Sleman, and Kulon Progo.
Report by: Animal Science UGM/Satria
Author: Agung Nugroho
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna Nurseisa Azrien
Photo: Animal Science UGM