Fapet UB Holds an Educational Talk Show on Handling the Impact of an Outbreak of Mouth and Nail Disease 

The world of animal husbandry is in mourning because livestock are again being attacked by Mouth and Nail Diseases (FMD). Even though Indonesia has been declared free of diseases caused by this virus for more than 30 years. The rate of transmission is very fast, an indicated cow can infect 6 to 15 other cows. 

The impact of the FMD outbreak does not only haunt farmers, but also the general public and the livestock themselves. Because people are consumers of beef and cow’s milk who are worried about their safety when consumed. Meanwhile, livestock is the object of the virus that suffers from wounds such as thrush in the mouth and detached nails, causing a decrease in appetite and productivity.

This became the topic of a talk show held by the Faculty of Animal Science Universitas Brawijaya (Fapet UB), Friday (20/5/2022). At the event brought Prof. Suyadi (Dean and Professor of livestock reproduction), Prof. Hendrawan Soetanto (Professor of Ruminant Livestock Nutrition, Dr. Suhermanto (Lecturer of Livestock Feed Nutrition and cattle partnership consultant), and Dr. Tri Eko Susilorini (Lecturer of Dairy Livestock Management).

According to Prof. Suyadi, the main impact of PMK is tremendous economic loss. Because 90% of livestock in Indonesia are dominated by smallholder cattle farms. Where livestock are only used as savings, meaning that they will only be sold when farmers need money. The average population is around two to ten years. five heads per farmer. In addition, the price of infected cattle will decrease even though they have been declared cured.

“This phenomenon creates panic at the farmer level, how can the loss overshadow them,” said Suyadi

“Therefore we as livestock academics through this talk show contribute to providing direction, assistance, and handling the impact of the PMK outbreak to farmers It can provide solutions and answers to the concerns of farmers.” he continued

The impact of the biggest loss was felt by dairy farmers compared to beef cattle. This is because milk production has decreased, even in the worst cases, livestock cannot produce milk. Meanwhile, smallholder farmers earn daily income from the milk they sell. The mortality rate due to FMD is also quite high for calves.

Dairy farmers from KUD Sumber Makmur Ngantang – Malang Regency also experienced the same thing. H. Sugito and Yudiono who were also present shared stories about the condition of cattle in Ngantang. The cattle population in Ngantang is 17,835 heads as of April 2022, producing an average of 11.31 liters of milk per day.

Then at the end of April, one by one the cattle experienced symptoms of high fever, tremors, nasal discharge, blisters on the mouth and muzzle, and refused to eat and drink. This is suspected because there is one farmer who buys cattle online from Mojokerto even though the cows are in good health and do not show symptoms of illness.

As of mid-May, the number of infected cattle with clinical symptoms was 316, and six died (2 calves, 1 heifer, and 3 lactating cows). Efforts to prevent the spread of the virus are carried out by isolating infected cattle, spraying disinfectants, and restricting cattle traffic.

Responding to this Dr. Tri Eko conveyed that livestock should really pay attention to good dairy farming. Namely dairy farming management which includes livestock reproduction, livestock health, milking hygiene, nutrition (feed and water), livestock welfare, environment, and socio-economic management. 

“The most important thing is the cleanliness of the cage and the quality of the feed given to the livestock. Besides strengthening immunity, it can also increase milk production.” he explained

. In line with that opinion, Prof. Hendrawan is of the opinion that there is no cure for FMD except vaccination. The drugs given only reduce the scope of the spread of the virus. 

“If livestock have been infected with FMD, what must be considered is the nutritional intake to strengthen immunity to fight the virus. Immunity-boosting feeds should contain vitamins A, C, and E as well as iron. For example, Moringa leaves have seven times more vitamin C than oranges, three times more vitamin A than carrots, and antioxidant compounds.” explained Hendrawan

Feeding should be in the form of juice so it is first blended or dried and ground into powder, to make it easier for cows to swallow it. 

“Our message to the community and especially farmers, don’t panic! Don’t sell livestock at cheap prices during an epidemic like this. FMD can be cured and is still safe for human consumption if it is cooked above 70 degrees Celsius.” 

“Pay attention to the cleanliness of the cage and cage staff, provide quality feed, and additional vitamins.” concluded Hendrawan (dta)