The Central Kalimantan Government imposed a more stringent policy on animal distribution as a means to prevent the further spread of foot and mouth disease (FMD).
The assistant of economic affairs and development at the Central Kalimantan regional secretariat, Leonard S. Ampung, remarked here on Wednesday that one approach to anticipate the outbreak from spreading further was to impose a regulation and expedite medical check-up on animals.
“There is a Circular Letter from the Central Kalimantan governor about control of the foot and mouth disease,” he stated.
The issued circular letters include standard operating procedures (SOP) on animal distribution, products from animals that were vulnerable to the disease, and some stipulation about veterinarian authorities.
“Everything has its basis, its regulations. It is worth noting that the provincial government aims to protect the area from FMD infection, so it will not (spread rampantly),” he remarked.
Head of the Central Kalimantan Food Crops, Horticulture and Livestock Office, Riza Rahmadi, noted that the FMD outbreak was currently inflicting areas in the province, such as East Kotawaringin, West Kotawaringin, Sukamara, and Palangka Raya.
One of the SOPs for livestock imports was to attach a certificate of animal health that was issued by the area where the animals were sent from, Rahmadi pointed out.
“Hence, before they bring livestock into our premises, the animal health certificate (requirement) must be fulfilled,” he stressed.
Moreover, the livestock should be quarantined for 14 days as per the policy. It was set at 14 days since it was the duration of the virus’ incubation.
Head of the Central Kalimantan One Stop Integrated Service Investment Office, Sutoyo, stated that as per June 1, all staff members of animal shipping licensing agencies were dispatched on a daily basis without day-off. This measure aims to ensure optimal licensing service.
“We are still open on Saturdays and Sundays and even until late at night, (in case) individuals or companies have issues. For instance, the cattle breeding association in West Kotawaringin had problems, (so they were) slow to process permits, (to the point that) it clashed with the weekend (Saturday), but we still serve, even until 9 p.m. local time, we will do it,” he noted.
Source: Antara News