Fajarasia.co – Chairperson of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, asked the government to accelerate various efforts to control the spread of Mouth and Nail Disease (FMD) in livestock. Moreover, the disease that attacks many cows has caused public concern ahead of Eid al-Adha.
“The case of PMK in livestock has become more serious because its spread is increasingly widespread. The government must immediately take control because people are getting more and more anxious considering that Eid al-Adha will soon be over,” said Puan, Friday (10/6/2022).
As is known, Eid al-Adha is identical with the implementation of the slaughter of sacrificial animals such as cows and goats. Meanwhile, the spread of foot and mouth disease in livestock has spread to 18 provinces and 163 regencies/cities.
Although the government has stated that the sacrificial animals provided this year are not from areas that have been confirmed by PMK, the public’s concern is still there. Puan also reminded the government to respond to residents’ anxiety, especially Muslims who celebrate Eid al-Adha.
“DPR hopes that vaccination to suppress cases of foot and mouth disease in livestock is immediately carried out. That way, we can prevent the spread of the virus from getting wider,” said the first woman who served as Chair of the Indonesian House of Representatives.
Puan said that vaccination for livestock that were not exposed to FMD should be prioritized for areas already infected with mouth and foot disease and the surrounding areas. There are 3 million doses of vaccine coming soon with a designation for areas affected by foot and mouth disease.
“The government must also increase the number of veterinarians in the affected areas. Because some areas are already feeling overwhelmed due to the lack of medical personnel in charge of injecting drugs for cows exposed to FMD,” said Puan.
“Due to the lack of veterinarians, the handling of cows exposed to FMD is slow, as happened in NTB. This PMK problem is quite serious because it can also have an impact on the Indonesian economy,” he added.
Furthermore, Puan also asked the Central Government to cooperate with the Regional Government to tighten the supervision of the sale of livestock, especially in livestock markets and seasonal animal traders, which often appear ahead of Eid al-Adha.
“The spread of PMK also has the potential to occur in the market. Therefore, cooperation from all elements of society is needed in anticipating the spread of this PMK problem, including community and religious leaders,” said Puan.
The local government is also expected to optimize monitoring of the slaughter of sacrificial animals, whether carried out at Slaughterhouses or slaughterhouses. This, said Puan, is to ensure that the meat produced meets the criteria of safe, healthy, whole and halal for those required for public consumption.
“We urge all parties to be involved in controlling PMK without neglecting health factors. Not only institutions that focus on livestock cultivation, but also in the trade and food sectors,” he said.
The former Coordinating Minister for PMK also supports the plan to establish a PMK task force up to the local government level. Puan emphasized that the DPR is committed to overseeing all PMK control policies through the functions of legislation, budgeting, and supervision.
“The House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia through Commission IV will continue to oversee the development of the handling of oral and nail diseases in these animals,” he said.
In addition, Puan asked the Government to be supported by all relevant stakeholders to be more massive in socializing various matters regarding PMK. Effective socialization is considered to minimize public anxiety.
“Education for residents must be intensified as a guarantee of the safety of the sacrificial meat. Including the processing of meat that is safe for consumption,” said Puan.
The grandson of the Proclaimer of the Republic of Indonesia Bung Karno also hopes that the public will not be too worried, although they must remain vigilant against animals exposed to FMD. Puan said that the most important thing is that the meat is processed properly.
“Before consumption, freeze the meat first in the refrigerator at a temperature above 2 degrees Celsius for 24 hours. Or by boiling the meat at a temperature of 70 degrees Celsius for at least 30 minutes,” he concluded.****
