Indonesia Forms National Task Force to Combat Foot and Mouth Disease Outbreak
In a decisive move to curb the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in livestock, Indonesia’s Ministry of Agriculture has established the National FMD Task Force.This strategic initiative aims to strengthen collaboration and streamline efforts to control the disease across the country.
Agung Suganda, the ministry’s Director General of livestock and Animal health, emphasized the importance of this task force during a press conference in Yogyakarta. “This task force is aimed at ensuring collaboration and synergy in harmonizing FMD control down to the regional level,” he stated.the task force brings together key stakeholders, including farmers’ associations and professional groups such as the Indonesian Animal Husbandry Graduates Association (ISPI) and the Indonesian Association of Veterinarians (PDHI). Their collective efforts will focus on monitoring FMD handling nationwide, responding to reports from livestock farmers, and intensifying education and vaccination campaigns in affected areas.
A Multi-Pronged Approach to tackle FMD
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The Ministry of Agriculture has prepared four million vaccine doses to address the outbreak. “Hopefully, we can distribute the four million vaccine doses in the shortest possible time,” Suganda remarked. The task force will also prioritize disseminating information about biosecurity measures to farmers, ensuring they are equipped to prevent further spread.
Data from the National Animal health Information System (iSIKHNAS) reveals that between December 9, 2024, and January 9, 2025, at least 4,000 FMD cases were recorded in Indonesia. This alarming figure underscores the urgency of the task force’s mission.
Universities Join the Fight
Budi Guntoro, a member of the National FMD task Force, has called on universities to play a pivotal role in combating the disease. He urged animal husbandry faculties across the country to form similar task forces, leveraging their abundant human resources. “The task of the task forces (in universities) is the dissemination of information, especially related to biosecurity to farmers in regions,” Guntoro explained.
By involving students and faculty members, the government aims to extend its reach into rural areas, were FMD outbreaks are most prevalent. This grassroots approach is expected to enhance the effectiveness of vaccination campaigns and biosecurity education.
Reactivating Regional Task Forces
Suganda expressed optimism that the establishment of the national task force would prompt the reactivation of provincial, district, and city-level FMD task forces, which were initially formed in 2022. These regional teams will play a crucial role in implementing localized strategies to contain the disease.
Key Statistics at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|—————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Vaccine Doses Prepared | 4 million |
| FMD Cases (Dec 2024-Jan 2025) | 4,000 |
| Key Stakeholders | ISPI, PDHI, Animal husbandry Faculties |
| Primary Focus | Vaccination, Biosecurity Education, Regional Collaboration |
A Call to Action
The formation of the National FMD Task Force marks a critical step in Indonesia’s fight against the disease. Though, the success of this initiative hinges on the active participation of all stakeholders, from farmers to academic institutions.
for more information on the government’s efforts to combat FMD,including the recent dispatch of 12,500 vaccine doses to east Java,visit the Ministry of Agriculture’s updates here.
As Indonesia rallies to protect its livestock and agricultural sector, the National FMD Task force stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the power of collaboration in the face of adversity.
Expert Insights: How indonesia’s National FMD Task Force is Tackling the Outbreak
In response to the alarming spread of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Indonesia, the Ministry of Agriculture has launched the National FMD Task Force.This initiative brings together key stakeholders, including farmers’ associations, veterinarians, and academic institutions, to combat the disease through vaccination, biosecurity education, and regional collaboration. To shed light on this critical effort, we sat down with Dr. Rina Wijayanti, a renowned veterinary epidemiologist and expert in livestock health, to discuss the challenges and strategies involved in tackling FMD.
The Formation of the National FMD Task Force
Senior Editor: Dr. Wijayanti, thank you for joining us. Can you explain the significance of forming the national FMD Task Force?
Dr. Rina Wijayanti: Thank you for having me. The formation of the National FMD Task force is a crucial step in addressing the FMD outbreak.FMD is highly contagious and can devastate livestock populations, affecting food security and farmers’ livelihoods. By bringing together stakeholders like the Indonesian Animal Husbandry Graduates Association (ISPI) and the Indonesian Association of Veterinarians (PDHI), the task force ensures a coordinated approach to disease control. This collaboration is essential for harmonizing efforts from the national level down to the regions.
Vaccination and Biosecurity Measures
Senior Editor: the Ministry of Agriculture has prepared four million vaccine doses.How critical is vaccination in controlling FMD?
Dr. Rina Wijayanti: Vaccination is one of the most effective tools we have to curb the spread of FMD. The four million doses are a meaningful start, but timely distribution is key. The task force must prioritize areas with the highest infection rates to prevent further transmission.Equally significant is educating farmers about biosecurity measures. Simple practices like disinfecting equipment, controlling animal movement, and isolating infected animals can make a huge difference in preventing outbreaks.
Role of Universities and Grassroots Efforts
Senior Editor: Budi Guntoro, a member of the National FMD Task Force, has called on universities to join the fight. How can academic institutions contribute?
Dr. Rina Wijayanti: Universities play a pivotal role in this effort. Animal husbandry faculties have the expertise and human resources to support vaccination campaigns and biosecurity education. By forming task forces at the university level, students and faculty can disseminate data to farmers in rural areas, where FMD outbreaks are most prevalent. This grassroots approach ensures that critical knowledge reaches those who need it most,enhancing the overall effectiveness of the national strategy.
Reactivating Regional Task Forces
Senior Editor: The national task force aims to reactivate regional task forces established in 2022. Why is this critically important?
Dr. Rina Wijayanti: Regional task forces are essential for implementing localized strategies. FMD outbreaks can vary significantly from one area to another, depending on factors like livestock density and farming practices. By reactivating these regional teams, we can tailor interventions to specific needs, ensuring a more targeted and effective response. This decentralized approach also fosters stronger collaboration between local governments, farmers, and veterinarians.
Key Challenges and the Road Ahead
Senior Editor: What are the biggest challenges in combating FMD, and what steps are needed to overcome them?
Dr. Rina Wijayanti: One of the biggest challenges is ensuring consistent monitoring and reporting of FMD cases. The National Animal Health Information system (iSIKHNAS) has been instrumental in tracking outbreaks, but we need to strengthen data collection at the grassroots level. Another challenge is maintaining public awareness and compliance with biosecurity measures. Continuous education and community engagement are vital. securing sufficient vaccine supplies and ensuring equitable distribution remain critical priorities.
A Call to Action
Senior Editor: What message would you like to share with our readers about the FMD outbreak?
Dr. Rina Wijayanti: FMD is not just a problem for farmers; it’s a national issue that affects food security and the economy. The success of the National FMD Task Force depends on the active participation of all stakeholders—farmers, veterinarians, academics, and policymakers. By working together, we can protect Indonesia’s livestock and agricultural sector. I urge everyone to stay informed, follow biosecurity guidelines, and support vaccination efforts. Together, we can overcome this challenge.
For more updates on the government’s efforts to combat FMD, including the recent dispatch of 12,500 vaccine doses to East Java, visit the Ministry of agriculture’s updates here.
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