Jakarta (ANTARA) - Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR), Puan Maharani, has urged the government to take quick action against the spread of the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) among livestock in several regions in Indonesia.
"We hope that the government will seriously handle the foot-and-mouth disease in livestock that has been found in various regions, including in livestock center areas," she said here on Wednesday.
Maharani expressed concern that if the disease is not handled promptly, it would affect the meat supply chain, especially ahead of Eid al-Adha.
"We also have to ensure that the stock of livestock for animal sacrifice purposes on this year's Eid al-Adha is safe even though FMD is spreading," she said.
She also noted that the disease could affect farmers and the supply of meat if not handled properly.
She then asked the government to pay attention to the concerns of farmers whose areas have not yet been affected by the disease. She also urged the central government to work with local governments to take anticipatory measures.
"Although the percentage of deaths among livestock due to FMD is not too high, if it is not handled optimally, it will make livestock prices fall and affect the supply of meat," she pointed out.
Even so, she asked farmers not to worry too much. She emphasized that the most important thing is to continuously monitor livestock.
"FMD can be treated. Immediately isolate farms with positive cases of FMD and treat them," she stressed.
The House Speaker also underlined the need for continuous coordination with the relevant agencies so that searches can be carried out immediately in surrounding areas.
Earlier, the Ministry of Agriculture had formulated a strategy to eradicate the disease and check its spread.
Agriculture Minister Sayhrul Yasin Limpo said that as part of efforts to eliminate the disease, a team had been assigned to check the condition on the field.
The minister also highlighted that the disease is not transmissible to humans despite it spreading rapidly among animals. He then asked people to not worry or panic too much about the outbreak.
Baca juga: RI includes incorporated livestock evacuation in disaster management measures
Baca juga: Locals urged to be vigilant while taking grass on Merapi's slopes, volcano's potential eruption
Baca juga: Kapal ternak terbalik di perairan Jepang, 42 kru hilang
