UNAIR NEWS – East Java has seen a resurgence of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), with the Regional Livestock Agency reporting a sharp increase to 800 cases between mid and late December 2024. Addressing this development, Prof. Dr. Fedik Abdul Rantam, drh, a virology and immunology expert from Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), provided an in-depth analysis of the disease and its containment strategies.
FMD is a highly infectious disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals, including goats, cattle, and sheep. It is caused by a virus that leads to symptoms such as excessive salivation and painful mouth sores.
The disease poses significant economic challenges, including reduced milk production and weight loss in infected animals, which negatively affect meat yields. These issues lower the market value of livestock products, disrupting the livestock trade and causing financial losses for farmers.
Transmission patterns
According to Prof. Rantam, FMD spreads through both direct and indirect contact between infected and healthy animals. Farmers who care for sick animals may inadvertently transmit the virus to healthy livestock.
“During the rainy season, contaminated waste from infected animals can flow into rivers, spreading the virus to other areas. Furthermore, the movement and sale of livestock increase the risk of spreading the infection across regions,” he explained.
Poor sanitation in animal enclosures further exacerbates the spread of FMD. Another significant factor is the low vaccination coverage among livestock, leading to weakened immunity and greater susceptibility to the virus.
Control and prevention measures
Managing FMD requires a coordinated effort between the government and local communities. Key strategies include mapping high-risk “red zones” to enforce quarantine measures for livestock entering or leaving these areas. Vaccination campaigns must also be intensified to bolster livestock immunity against the disease.
“Disinfecting enclosures is another critical step in preventing FMD by eliminating harmful pathogens. Additionally, vaccines tailored to use Indonesian virus isolates will improve their effectiveness in building immunity,” Prof. Rantam stated.
Author: Rifki Sunarsis Ari Adi
Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia
