Preventing the Spread of Foot and Mouth Disease: Affordable Vaccination for Livestock Farmers in East Java
In a bid to curb the transmission of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sudaryono has urged livestock farmers in East Java to promptly vaccinate their cattle.
Accessible Vaccination at Affordable Prices
Sudaryono emphasized that regular vaccination would enhance the resilience and health of cattle, thereby preventing the outbreak of FMD that could prove detrimental to farmers. He highlighted that the FMD vaccine could be obtained through local livestock and animal health offices or purchased independently, with prices as low as less than Rp 50,000.
“We are not devaluing the currency, but this cost is equivalent to just one pack of cigarettes, isn’t it?” remarked Sudaryono during a press release at the Processing Bird House PT Surya Aviesta in Surabaya, East Java, on Wednesday (1/8/2025).
Moreover, Sudaryono urged farmers to proactively seek vaccination rather than waiting until their cattle contract FMD. He stressed the importance of preventive measures to avoid the unnecessary consequences of the disease.
Challenges in Government Assistance
The Deputy Minister also cautioned against relying solely on government aid due to limited vaccine allocations that cannot cover all livestock farmers in Indonesia. With only 4 million vaccine doses allocated by the government, Sudaryono acknowledged that this quantity falls short of the total cattle population in the country.
“There is no need to wait for government assistance because, once again, the allocated vaccine quantity provided by the government cannot reach everyone,” Sudaryono reiterated.
Community Involvement and Rapid Reporting
Sudaryono emphasized the importance of community participation in reporting any signs of FMD in cattle promptly. Swift reporting enables officials to implement isolation and treatment procedures effectively.
“There will be treatment; the infected cattle will be isolated on-site and receive immediate treatment. But the key is one thing: immediate reporting. That’s the essence of it,” Sudaryono concluded.
As we navigate the challenges posed by diseases like FMD, it is crucial for livestock farmers to prioritize vaccination and proactive reporting to safeguard the health and well-being of their cattle and the broader farming community. Remember, a small investment in vaccination today can prevent significant losses tomorrow. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and let’s work together to protect our livestock and livelihoods.
