Breaking: Ministry of Agriculture Urges Regional Governments to Temporarily Close Livestock Markets Amidst Rising Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Cases
The Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan) has issued a stern advisory, urging regional governments to temporarily close livestock markets for 14 days if any FMD cases are detected in their respective jurisdictions. This comes as a response to the escalating FMD cases reported in December 2024.
Agung Suganda, the Director General of Livestock and Animal Health, revealed this information in a press conference held in Jakarta on Saturday, January 3, 2025. He emphasized that the surge in FMD cases during the last two weeks of December 2024 should serve as a grave concern for regional governments. To mitigate the situation, Kementan has recommended several proactive steps:
- Tighten Surveillance: Scrutinize livestock movements, animal products, and potential disease vectors.
- Market Closure and Disinfection: Close affected markets for 14 days, along with thorough cleaning and disinfection measures.
- Maximize Private Sector Involvement: Encourage pet owners and private sectors to aid in local disease control efforts.
Agung underscored the importance of swift and decisive action, stating that closing affected markets and disinfection are imperative to halt FMD’s spread. He further lamented that prompt government action wouldHelp safeguard pet owners from greater losses.
Moreover, Kementan stresses the importance of collaborative efforts between central and regional governments, as well as inter-sectoral synergy, to protect livestock populations and ensure the sustainability of the livestock industry.
To facilitate timely disease management, Kementan emphasizes the use of iSIKHNAS, the national animal health information system, for disease reporting. Additionally, pet owners are encouraged to use the WhatsApp hotline (0811-1182-7889) for case reports or consultations.
Previously, Kementan had called for enhanced FMD control measures in a circular (No. 28002/PK.320/F/12/2024) issued on December 28, 2024, urging provincial and regency/city offices to adopt concrete measures to minimize FMD risk across regions.
Through these efforts, Kementan reaffirms its commitment to sustaining the national livestock industry. "With intensified monitoring and pet owner empowerment, FMD risks can be minimized, securing pet owners’ well-being and national food security," Agung stated.
Governments are also advised to be vigilant against other transboundary animal diseases, including FMD. Although Agung did not disclose current FMD numbers, he attributed the December surge to extreme weather conditions. He warned that the peak of the outbreak is expected to occur in March 2025.
Also read:
Kementan and Magetan Regency Act Swiftly to Tackle FMD Outbreak
Situbondo Disnakkan Sends Blood Samples for FMD Investigation
Tangerang’s DPKP Finds 11 FMD-Infected Livestock
