Polewali Mandar Faces FMD Vaccine Shortage as Breeders Rush to Protect Livestock
Polewali Mandar, west Sulawesi, is grappling with a surge in demand for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccines as local breeders rush to protect their livestock. The high enthusiasm for vaccination has led to a depletion of vaccine stocks at the local Agriculture and food Service,prompting the Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan) to step in with an additional 2,500 doses set to arrive in February 2025.
The urgency stems from the recent detection of FMD in the region. Since late December 2024, six cows in Tinambung District tested positive for the disease, according to laboratory results from the Maros Veterinary Center. This alarming development has sparked widespread concern among breeders, who fear the highly contagious virus could devastate their livestock.
“We will receive an additional 2,000 doses of vaccine from the Ministry of agriculture in February. This addition is really needed because of the high demand for vaccination from breeders,” said Isnaniah Bagenda,head of UPTD Puskeswan Polman,on Friday,January 17,2025.
A Race Against Time
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The initial allocation of 500 doses in early January 2025 proved insufficient to meet the needs of Polman’s breeders. Farmers,anxious about the potential spread of FMD,have been flocking to vaccination centers,creating a bottleneck in supply.
“Farmers are very enthusiastic about vaccinating because they are afraid of their cows being infected with FMD. Though, limited vaccine stock is the main obstacle,” Isnaniah explained.
to combat the outbreak, the Polman Agriculture and Food Service has implemented a three-pronged strategy:
- Simultaneous Vaccination: Prioritizing Tinambung District, vaccinations are being carried out across 16 sub-districts.
- Mass Treatment and Disinfection: Affected areas are undergoing rigorous disinfection to curb the spread.
- Public Education: Breeders are being educated on preventive measures to minimize transmission risks.
“As the first case was discovered, we have localized the affected areas and carried out mass treatment. Disinfection and public education are also continuing to be carried out so that FMD does not spread to other sub-districts,” Isnaniah added.
A Glimmer of hope
The upcoming shipment of 2,500 vaccine doses from the Ministry of Agriculture is expected to alleviate the current shortage. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding livestock health and ensuring the sustainability of Indonesia’s agricultural sector.
| Key Measures to Combat FMD in Polman |
|——————————————|
| Vaccination | 2,500 additional doses arriving in February 2025 |
| Disinfection | Mass treatment in affected areas |
| Public Education | Information campaigns to prevent transmission |
The proactive measures taken by local authorities, coupled with the upcoming vaccine supply, offer hope for containing the outbreak. However, the situation highlights the importance of timely intervention and resource allocation in managing livestock diseases.As Polman’s breeders await the additional vaccines,the collective effort to combat FMD serves as a reminder of the critical role vaccination plays in protecting both livestock and livelihoods.
For more information on FMD prevention and vaccination strategies, visit the Ministry of Agriculture’s official guidelines.
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This article is based on exclusive reporting from Beritasatu.com.
FMD outbreak in Polewali Mandar: Expert Insights on Vaccine Shortages and Livestock Protection
Polewali Mandar in West Sulawesi is currently facing a critical challenge as breeders rush to protect their livestock from the highly contagious foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). With a surge in demand for vaccines, local stocks have been depleted, prompting the Ministry of Agriculture to step in with additional doses. In this exclusive interview, Senior Editor of world-today-news.com, Sarah thompson, speaks with Dr. Aditya rahman,a veterinary epidemiologist and FMD specialist,to discuss the outbreak,the vaccine shortage,and the measures being taken to safeguard livestock and livelihoods.
The Current Situation in Polewali Mandar
Sarah Thompson: Dr. Rahman, thank you for joining us today. Can you start by giving us an overview of the current FMD situation in polewali Mandar?
Dr. Aditya Rahman: Thank you, Sarah.The situation in Polewali Mandar is quite concerning. Since late December 2024,six cows in Tinambung District have tested positive for FMD,as confirmed by the Maros Veterinary Center. This has led to a surge in demand for vaccines as breeders are understandably anxious to protect their livestock.Unfortunately, the initial allocation of 500 doses in early January was insufficient, and stocks have been depleted.
Challenges with Vaccine Supply
Sarah Thompson: What are the main challenges in addressing the vaccine shortage, and how is the government responding?
Dr. Aditya Rahman: the primary challenge is the overwhelming demand from breeders. Farmers are highly motivated to vaccinate their animals, but the limited supply has created a bottleneck. The Ministry of Agriculture has stepped in and is sending an additional 2,500 doses, which are expected to arrive in February 2025. This is a critical step, but the delay highlights the need for better preparedness and resource allocation in managing livestock diseases.
Strategies to Combat the Outbreak
Sarah Thompson: Beyond vaccination, what other measures are being taken to control the spread of FMD in the region?
Dr. aditya Rahman: Local authorities have implemented a three-pronged strategy. First, they are conducting simultaneous vaccinations across 16 sub-districts, with a focus on Tinambung District. Second, they are carrying out mass treatment and disinfection in affected areas to curb the spread of the virus. Third, public education campaigns are underway to inform breeders about preventive measures and minimize transmission risks. These efforts are crucial in containing the outbreak and protecting the broader livestock population.
The Importance of Timely Intervention
sarah Thompson: What lessons can we learn from this situation, and how can similar outbreaks be prevented in the future?
Dr. Aditya Rahman: This situation underscores the importance of timely intervention and proactive measures. Early detection, rapid response, and adequate vaccine supplies are key to preventing widespread outbreaks. Additionally, continuous public education and awareness campaigns can empower breeders to take preventive actions. Collaboration between local authorities, the government, and veterinary experts is also essential to ensure a coordinated and effective response.
Looking Ahead
Sarah Thompson: what are your thoughts on the upcoming vaccine shipment and its potential impact?
Dr. aditya Rahman: The additional 2,500 doses are a welcome relief and will considerably help meet the current demand. However, it’s important to view this as part of a broader strategy. Long-term solutions, such as improving vaccine distribution systems and investing in disease surveillance, are necessary to build resilience against future outbreaks. The collective effort in Polewali Mandar serves as a reminder of the critical role vaccination plays in protecting both livestock and livelihoods.
Sarah Thompson: Thank you, Dr. Rahman, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that while challenges remain, there is hope for containing this outbreak and safeguarding the region’s agricultural sector.
For more facts on FMD prevention and vaccination strategies, visit the Ministry of Agriculture’s official guidelines.
This interview is based on exclusive reporting from Beritasatu.com.
