Foot-adn-Mouth Disease Re-emerges in Indonesia: A Public Health Concern
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A concerning resurgence of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has gripped parts of Indonesia, prompting urgent action from health officials and raising concerns about the potential impact on both animal welfare and global food security. The Indonesian Veterinary Association (PDHI) in East Java recently met with the Acting Mayor of Batu to address the escalating situation.
The re-emergence of FMD in Batu City, specifically affecting seven villages, has prompted immediate calls for action. “PMK in Batu City, which has spread to seven villages, must receive immediate attention,” stated Drh Deddy Fachruddin Kurniawan MVet, Chair of PDHI East Java II. this underscores the severity of the outbreak and the need for swift intervention.
The timing of this resurgence is especially troubling. Previous vaccination efforts in Batu City, conducted in May 2024, provided only temporary immunity. “So it is natural that cases will increase,because immunity from PMK vaccination only lasts a maximum of six months,” explained Dr. Deddy,highlighting the need for a sustained vaccination program.
Dr.Deddy emphasized the critical need for a long-term strategy. “If we neglect to do it even once, than the five-year program will fail and we will have to start from scratch,” he warned, stressing the importance of consistent vaccination over a five-year period to effectively control the disease. This requires meaningful financial commitment, making budget allocation for vaccination a top priority for regional leaders.
The PDHI, with approximately 50 members in Batu City and 500 in East Java, is actively supporting the vaccination efforts. They are even exploring collaboration with Brawijaya University’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine to involve veterinary students in the response. Furthermore, the association has already provided the Batu City Veterinary Authority (POV) with crucial Standard Handling Procedure documents.
Dr. Deddy’s analogy, “We are like children who remind their father,” aptly describes the PDHI’s role in advocating for improved animal health infrastructure. While acknowledging the POV’s ultimate authority, the association stresses the importance of empowering local veterinary services. This is crucial because animal health directly impacts human health and well-being,particularly concerning food security and the transmission of zoonotic diseases.
The “ONE HEALTH” concept, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, is paramount.Addressing zoonotic threats from both food animals and pets is essential to prevent future outbreaks and safeguard public health. The situation in Indonesia serves as a stark reminder of the global implications of animal diseases and the importance of proactive, sustained preventative measures.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease Resurges in Indonesia: A Q&A with Dr. Adijaya
Indonesia is grappling with a concerning resurgence of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), a highly contagious viral illness affecting cloven-hoofed animals. This outbreak poses a notable threat to animal welfare, livestock production, and ultimately, global food security. To better understand the situation and its implications, we spoke with Dr. Adijaya, a veterinarian and expert on FMD.
Understanding the Resurgence
Senior Editor: Dr. Adijaya,thanks for joining us. Can you shed some light on the current FMD situation in Indonesia?
Dr. Adijaya: Certainly. We’re seeing a troubling resurgence of FMD in several regions of Indonesia, including Batu City. While vaccination efforts were undertaken earlier this year, the protection provided by those vaccines is temporary. This highlights the need for ongoing vaccination programs to effectively control the disease.
The Need for Sustained Vaccination
Senior Editor: You mentioned the limitations of the current vaccine’s protection. Can you elaborate on that?
Dr. Adijaya: Absolutely. The immunity provided by the FMD vaccine typically lasts for around six months. That means regular vaccinations are crucial to maintain herd immunity and prevent widespread outbreaks. A five-year vaccination program is recommended for sustained control.Regrettably, funding for consistent vaccination efforts is frequently enough inconsistent
The Role of the Indonesian Veterinary Association
Senior Editor: What role is the Indonesian Veterinary Association (PDHI) playing in responding to this outbreak?
Dr. Adijaya: The PDHI is actively supporting vaccination drives,collaborating with universities to involve veterinary students in the response,and providing essential Standard Handling Procedure documents to veterinary authorities. we’re essentially advocating for improved animal health infrastructure and empowering local veterinary services.
The One Health Viewpoint
Senior Editor: This outbreak highlights the interconnectedness of animal, human, and environmental health.Could you speak to that?
Dr. Adijaya:** You’re right; the “One Health” concept is crucial in this context. FMD can impact food security and potentially lead to zoonotic disease transmission. Proactive measures, robust surveillance, and international collaboration are essential to prevent these outbreaks and safeguard public health not just in Indonesia, but globally.
