Professor of Faculty of Animal Science UB Expects Breeders and Society Not to Panic in the Face of PMK

Outbreaks The mouth and foot disease (PMK) is now attacking cattle in Indonesia again. Indonesia has been declared free of PMK for more than three decades. This condition causes panic for the community, both farmers and consumers, especially approaching the Eid al-Adha holiday.

PMK was first discovered in Gresik – East Java at the end of April 2022 and then spread to four regencies such as Tuban, Sidoarjo, and Mojokerto. Then it spread to West Java, Aceh, to Malang.

Professor of the Faculty of Animal Science Universitas Brawijaya (Fapet UB), Prof. Dr.Ir. Hendrawan Soetanto, M.Rur.Sc., said that FMD is a disease that has existed in the world since the 1800s. In Indonesia, it has been infected several times. 

“FMD is a disease caused by a virus which is spread through the air and fluids such as saliva and sperm exudates. It doesn’t just attack cattle, FMD can infect all ruminants with split hooves, such as buffalo, goats, sheep, and pigs.” explained the Professor in the field of nutrition and ruminant fodder, the

spread of FMD in Indonesia is currently still being investigated in border areas. Because so far diseases in animals appear in areas bordering other countries.

“Indonesia is a country that is free of FMD but how can it get infected again? This could be caused by transmission through meat imports from countries that are not yet free of FMD. Even though it is free of FMD, Indonesia does not yet have a vaccine for this disease.” light

The initial symptoms are characterized by fever and sores in the mouth like canker sores appear. This causes a decrease in appetite and drinking which makes the condition weak and dehydrated. 

“At this time of weakness and dehydration, the body’s immunity decreases, it can trigger other diseases. Even though it sounds scary PMK can be cured,” said Hendrawan

“If the livestock has shown signs of infection, the farmer must immediately report it to the local Livestock Service. Don’t be shy and don’t delay because this virus spreads very quickly, only a matter of hours, about 2-10 hours, you can see it.”

Then the infected livestock must be separated from other livestock. The rest of the feed in the food container must be destroyed, it should not be ground or mixed again. 

On the other hand, prevention efforts can be done by increasing the overall bio-security. Starting from the cleanliness of the cages and drinking feed containers to the sterilization of the cage staff and livestock visitors. Strengthening the immune system of livestock is also an important key. The trick is to give vitamins, “herbs” from spices, and feed that has good nutritional content. This means that it contains anti-oxidants and temporarily does not give the forage or grass stem parts that have a rough texture. Because it can worsen sores in the mouth. 

The impact of this epidemic is an economic problem. Because the infected livestock, although declared to have recovered, will experience a decrease in selling value. Whereas 90% of livestock in Indonesia is dominated by smallholder cattle farms, where the maintenance population is around 2-5 heads per farmer. 

Cows infected with FMD will not infect humans and are still safe for consumption. It’s just better to avoid consuming the “offal” part and cooking beef above 70 degrees Celsius.

“My message to the community, especially farmers, is not to panic about the PMK outbreak. Because this disease can be cured and can be prevented by paying attention to sanitation and bio-security,” concluded Hendrawan (dta)