Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) has again become a serious threat to the livestock sector. This infectious disease caused by the Foot and Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV) attacks even-toed animals such as cattle, horses, goats, sheep, buffalo, and pigs. The spread of this virus occurs very quickly and has a morbidity rate of almost 100%.
Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) has again become a serious threat to the livestock sector. This infectious disease caused by the Foot and Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV) attacks even-toed animals such as cattle, horses, goats, sheep, buffalo, and pigs. The spread of this virus occurs very quickly and has a morbidity rate of almost 100%.
Spread and Symptoms of FMD
FMD is spread through direct contact with infected animals or through food, drink, and tools contaminated with the virus. In addition, the movement of animals, livestock products, and contaminated vehicles and objects also contribute to the spread of this virus. Although FMD is not a zoonotic disease and cannot be transmitted to humans, it causes serious impacts on livestock. The following are the symptoms and impacts of FMD based on the type of livestock:
| Type of Livestock | Common Symptoms | Impact |
| Cattle | Fever, loss of appetite, excessive salivation, inflammation in the mouth and tongue, blisters on the hooves, teats, and udder (in female cattle) | Weight loss, decreased milk production, miscarriage, even death |
| Goats | Fever, blisters on gums, tongue surface, and between hooves and hoof coronet | Usually mild |
| Sheep | Lethargy, limping, blisters in the mouth, tongue, and gums | Very mild |
| Pigs | Lameness, excessive salivation, blisters on peeled hooves, blisters on snout, mouth, teats, and udder skin | Miscarriage in female pigs, even death (usually in young pigs) |
Economic Impact & Prevention
Although meat and milk from FMD-infected livestock remain safe to consume, their quality and composition may change. Milk production can decrease by 5-8% due to the disease. Therefore, preventive measures are essential to reduce the spread and impact of FMD. The following are the main strategies for FMD control:
Biosecurity Measures
- Isolation and Quarantine: Infected animals must be isolated to prevent the spread of the virus. Under certain conditions, the government can enforce a lockdown policy and close livestock trade traffic.
- Disinfection and Symptomatic Treatment: Farmers must routinely clean cages and equipment using disinfectants such as slaked lime and soap. Symptomatic treatment can be done with oral antiseptics, herbal concoctions, analgesics, and fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Vaccination: Vaccination of cattle is an effective step in eradicating FMD in order to achieve herd immunity. In 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture will prepare 4 million doses of FMD vaccine which will be distributed in stages to 25 provinces with FMD cases. Vaccine distribution is carried out in stages according to requests from provincial offices. The Ministry of Agriculture is targeting 400,000 doses to be distributed in January, 1.2 million doses in February, and another 400,000 doses in March. Meanwhile, an allocation of 2 million doses is planned for the second vaccination period in July to September 2025.
Management Practices
- Foot Baths: Copper sulfate foot baths can help reduce digital dermatitis and heel horn erosion.
- Pen Conditions: Maintaining pen cleanliness and controlling livestock density can reduce the spread of disease.
- Grazing: Healthy animals should be housed in a dry area and given adequate feed to boost immunity. tubuh.
Monitoring
- Maintenance: Routinely maintain the cleanliness of livestock pens, provide feed and vitamin intake, and restrict unauthorized persons from entering the pen.
- Health Checks: Routinely conduct livestock health checks to detect diseases early.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Collaboration between farmers, industry, and government is needed for more effective disease management.
By implementing preventive measures, it is hoped that FMD outbreaks can be controlled and their impact on livestock can be minimized.
