PMK Outbreak in Bandung Barat Claims Four Cows, Vaccination Supply Awaited
Bandung Barat, Indonesia – The local government of Bandung Barat is facing a shortage of livestock vaccine doses to prevent the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) as it has already affected livestock in the region. The Disease Control and Animal Health Agency (DCAHA) of Bandung Barat recently discovered 229 cows suspected of being infected with FMD. Out of these, four cows have tragically died suddenly, and 14 others had to be euthanized due to FMD concerns.
Government Awaits Central Supply of Vaccines
The vaccines needed for the animals come from the central government, and the local authorities are eagerly awaiting their arrival to combat the outbreak effectively. Pj Regent Ade Zakir mentioned, “Vaccinations are supplied from the center, so we are waiting for availability and regulations from there. As soon as we have the vaccines, we will administer them. Unfortunately, we do not produce vaccines locally.”
Despite the challenges, Ade Zakir expressed confidence in swiftly controlling the FMD outbreak to prevent significant losses for livestock farmers in Bandung Barat. The region faced a similar situation in 2023, where a spike in FMD cases resulted in a decrease in dairy cow productivity.
Experience and Preparedness for Managing the Outbreak
Reflecting on past incidents, Ade Zakir emphasized the importance of learning from previous outbreaks to handle the current situation better. He assured, “We recently received reports from the DCAHA about new FMD cases. We have learned from last year’s bitter experience that impacted milk production. With this experience, we are better equipped to manage the situation. Once the vaccines arrive, we will intensify our efforts. We are also awaiting guidance from the West Java province regarding livestock movement.”
Ade Zakir affirmed that once the vaccines are available, the government will prioritize administering them and will also focus on educating farmers on handling FMD. Additionally, they plan to tighten livestock movement, especially from regions at the center of the outbreak.
Current Vaccination Efforts and Future Plans
The Acting Head of DCAHA Bandung Barat, Wiwin Aprianti, disclosed that the local government currently has 30,000 doses of FMD vaccine in stock. These doses are being distributed to 10 key livestock farming centers. However, to achieve herd immunity among livestock, they are awaiting the arrival of the second dose or booster vaccines from the central government, expected in February 2025. Wiwin stated, “We have a stock of 30,000 vaccines that are currently being administered. The latest update indicates that 70% of the targeted livestock has been vaccinated. We are awaiting the booster doses from the central government, which are anticipated to arrive in February 2025, totaling another 30,000 doses.”
By closely monitoring the situation, educating farmers, and ensuring timely vaccinations, the local authorities aim to contain the FMD outbreak effectively and safeguard the livestock industry in Bandung Barat.
