Ahmad Luthfi Reviews Mobile Animal Health Services Programme in Sragen
Today, we have conducted checks because Iduladha is approaching soon. The livestock population in Central Java is 6.3 million animals. That means it’s very large,” said Luthfi in his statement on Wednesday (15/4/2026).
In detail, the livestock population in Central Java in 2026 is estimated to exceed 6.3 million heads. This consists of 1.32 million beef cattle, 23,000 buffaloes, 3.7 million goats, and 1.33 million sheep. The estimated need for sacrificial livestock this year is approximately 593,000 heads.
“We do not want diseases that can spread to be found during Iduladha, especially in cattle, buffaloes, goats, and other livestock,” Luthfi stated.
The Healing service is an innovation from the Central Java Province Agriculture and Livestock Department (Distanak) to support existing animal health centres in 35 regencies/cities.
The programme aims to provide convenience for farmers or livestock breeders in obtaining animal health services that reach rural areas. It includes health checks related to animal diseases, deworming, vaccinations, ultrasonography (USG) for pregnant animals, and others.
“Its purpose is to control animal health in our area. The veterinarians we have go directly to meet the breeders without charge,” Luthfi explained.
Since its launch in February 2026, the programme has proven effective in preventing the spread of endemic animal diseases in Central Java. As recorded up to mid-April 2026, there have only been 10 animals infected with foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).
“That has already been detected and treated,” Luthfi said.
The Head of the Central Java Province Agriculture and Livestock Department, Defransisco Dasilva Tavares, added that the Healing service will follow up on reports and early detection in the field. It is similar to the Ministry of Agriculture’s (Kementan) spot stop system. At the same time, it adds to programmes to prevent the spread and entry of animal diseases from outside Central Java.
“At our borders, we have livestock traffic posts. This is to control so that animals entering Central Java do not bring diseases,” he said.
Meanwhile, a cattle and goat farmer in Krikilan Village, Agus Kiswoyo, expressed gratitude and thanks for the Central Java Provincial Government’s attention through the Healing programme. It shows how the government cares for cattle and goat breeders, especially in the Krikilan Village area.
“In 2024 and 2025, FMD was highest here. Almost only 50% of the livestock remained because of that disease. I hope this programme can be done more frequently,” said the farmer who switched from cattle fattening to cattle breeding since being affected by FMD a few years ago.