Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak Re-emerges in Jombang, Indonesia
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A concerning resurgence of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) has hit Jombang Regency, Indonesia, impacting hundreds of cows and raising fears about the region’s vital cattle industry. The outbreak, which had previously subsided, has returned with force, infecting 323 cows over the past two months, according to M. Saleh, Acting Head of the Jombang Livestock Service.
“Of the 323 FMD cases, 231 cows are currently still sick. Meanwhile, 31 of them had to be slaughtered and 11 of them died suddenly. Meanwhile, there are 50 who recovered from PMK,” Saleh reported on Sunday, january 5, 2025.
The outbreak’s spread is widespread, affecting 19 of jombang’s 21 sub-districts. Only Perak and Tembelang districts remain unaffected, Saleh confirmed. The hardest-hit areas are Jombang and Jogoroto districts.
Factors Contributing to the Outbreak
Saleh attributed the recent surge in FMD cases to two primary factors: the seasonal shift from dry to rainy weather and insufficient vaccination coverage. “The rainy season triggers high humidity, decreasing the animals’ immunity, making them more susceptible to disease,” he explained. He further noted that ideal vaccination practices involve administering the vaccine every six months, with 80 percent coverage, but current vaccination rates are lagging due to the rapid spread of the disease.
Containment Efforts underway
The Jombang Livestock Service is actively working to control the outbreak. Thier strategy involves prompt response to public reports of FMD cases, aggressive virus elimination in affected areas, and widespread disinfectant spraying. “There are no new symptoms of FMD. The main symptoms of FMD are still the same as several years ago. Namely, the cow has a fever. Then both mouths slobbered and there were wounds in the mouth and pain in the legs,” Saleh detailed.
The severity of the situation is underscored by Jombang’s meaningful cattle population—62,409 head as of October 2024. given Jombang’s role as a key beef producer in east Java, the potential economic impact of a widespread FMD outbreak is substantial. The situation highlights the importance of proactive disease prevention and control measures in protecting both animal health and the livelihoods of farmers.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease Resurfaces in Jombang: A Growing Threat to Indonesia’s Cattle Industry
Indonesia’s Jombang Regency is facing a worrisome resurgence of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), threatening its significant cattle population and possibly impacting the livelihoods of many farmers. This interview with Dr. Ani Ratih, a veterinarian and infectious disease specialist with extensive experience in Indonesia, delves into the causes, impacts, and containment measures surrounding this outbreak.
A Resurgence with Devastating Potential
Senior Editor: Dr. Ratih, thank you for joining us today. The recent FMD outbreak in Jombang is undeniably concerning. Can you give our readers some context?
Dr. Ani Ratih: You’re right to call this outbreak worrisome. FMD is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, sheep, and pigs. This recent resurgence is particularly troubling because it comes after a period of relative calm. We observed significant progress in controlling FMD a few years ago, only to see it reappear with renewed force.
senior Editor: We understand that hundreds of cows have already been affected. What are the immediate implications of this outbreak?
Dr. Ani Ratih: The immediate impact is dire, particularly for farmers who depend on thier cattle for income and sustenance. Infected cows experience painful blisters in their mouths and on their hooves, leading to reduced milk production, difficulty eating, and lameness.
Unluckily, some cattle succumb to the disease. the economic losses can be devastating for individual farms and the broader livestock industry. Jombang, being a key beef producer in East Java, makes this outbreak especially concerning.
Understanding the Factors Behind the Outbreak
Senior Editor: what are the primary drivers behind this resurgence of FMD?
Dr. Ani Ratih: While a definitive conclusion requires further detailed investigation, we believe two key factors likely contributed to this outbreak:
First, the shift from dry to rainy season often leads to increased humidity, which can weaken animals’ immune systems and make them more susceptible to infections like FMD.
second, vaccination coverage may be inadequate. Ideally, vaccination should be administered every six months, with at least an 80% coverage rate within the cattle population to create herd immunity. Unfortunately, achieving this target can be challenging in some regions due to logistical constraints and resource limitations.
Containment Efforts Underway
Senior Editor: What strategies are being implemented to control the outbreak and prevent further spread?
dr. Ani Ratih: I applaud the Jombang Livestock Service for their swift response.They’re employing several crucial measures:
Prompt response: They’re actively responding to public reports of potential FMD cases, acting quickly to isolate and treat affected animals.
Virus elimination: They’re implementing strict disinfection protocols in affected areas to eliminate the virus from the surroundings.
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Vaccination drives: They’re working to intensify vaccination efforts to reach a higher coverage rate within the cattle population.
A Call for Vigilance
Senior Editor: what message would you like to convey to our readers about this outbreak?
Dr. Ani Ratih: This outbreak is a stark reminder of the ever-present threat of FMD and the importance of proactive disease prevention and control.
I urge the local authorities and the agricultural community to continue working diligently to contain the outbreak and implement robust biosecurity measures to prevent future occurrences.
We all have a role to play in protecting the health of our livestock and safeguarding the livelihoods of those who depend on them.
