In a bid to curb the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), the indonesian quarantine Agency (Barantin) has intensified its oversight of livestock movement in west Nusa Tenggara (NTB).The NTB Animal, Fish, and Plant Quarantine Center is ensuring that all animals leaving the region are healthy and fit for sale, particularly focusing on Bima and Badas ports on Sumbawa Island.
“Livestock with even hooves, such as cows, buffalo, goats, and pigs, are particularly vulnerable to FMD. We are rigorously monitoring their movement through key exit points,” said Agus Mugiyanto, Head of NTB Quarantine, on January 17, 2025. His team is implementing measures aligned with the Minister of Agriculture’s Circular Letter (SE) Number B-03/PK.320/M/01/2025, which emphasizes early detection and containment of infectious animal diseases.
The quarantine process includes clinical examinations, laboratory testing, and a mandatory 14-day isolation period for animals. Transport vehicles are also disinfected to minimize the risk of spreading the disease. Movement of livestock from yellow and red zones—areas with active or increasing FMD cases—to green zones,which are FMD-free,is strictly prohibited.
Indonesia has categorized its regions into three zones based on FMD prevalence. The green zone, which includes papua, Maluku, and East nusa Tenggara, is FMD-free. The yellow zone, encompassing Sumatra, Kalimantan, Bali, and NTB, has cases but no recent increases. The red zone, covering Java and Sulawesi, is experiencing a surge in infections. “Each zone has specific quarantine measures tailored to its condition,” Agus explained.
Despite the rise in FMD cases nationwide, NTB breeders remain optimistic.”Our livestock are healthy and ready for sale,which keeps the market active,” Agus noted. Data from barantin’s Best Trust application reveals fluctuating cattle traffic over the past five years. In 2020, 40,375 cattle were transported, increasing to 42,199 in 2021. The pandemic caused a dip in 2022,with only 23,833 cattle moved,but numbers rebounded to 57,842 in 2023. By 2024, there was a slight decline to 56,500 cattle, primarily destined for Jabodetabek, kalimantan, Sumatra, and Sulawesi. Half of these animals are used for sacrificial purposes.
Agus urged the public, especially breeders, to recognize early FMD symptoms and adhere to government guidelines.”Collaboration among breeders, businesses, and local and central governments is essential to ensure NTB cattle remain viable in the sacrificial market,” he concluded.
