City bans beef from Sulawesi

JAKARTA: The City Husbandry, Fishery and Maritime Agency said on Tuesday that it would reject beef shipments from anthrax-affected Sulawesi to prevent the virus from spreading to Jakarta.

"We have taken various preventive steps, including a vaccination drive for cows and goats and will monitor closely the health of incoming animals. This time we have also issued a ban on beef shipments from Sulawesi," Agency Chief Edi Setiarto was quoted by beritajakarta.com on Tuesday.

Sulawesi is considered one of the endemic areas for anthrax.

He also said that current supply of beef was adequate for Christmas and New Year as well as for the Islamic Day of Sacrifice. During non-holiday times, daily beef consumption in Jakarta is equal to about 500 cows.

"For Christmas and New Year, beef consumption usually increases to about 2,000 cows a day," Edi said. --JP