Karanganyar Medical Team Discovers Liver Fluke in Sacrificial Cattle in Matesih

The Veterinary Medical Team of the Karanganyar Regency Agriculture, Food, and Fisheries Department (Dispertan PP) discovered a liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica) infection during the second day of Eid al-Adha 1447 AH sacrificial animal slaughter on Thursday, 28 May. The finding was made during meat safety checks in Ngadiluwih Village, Matesih District.

The team immediately instructed the sacrificial committee to destroy the infected liver to prevent transmission or consumption by the public. “The Veterinary Medical Team found liver fluke infection in sacrificial cattle during meat inspections in Ngadiluwih Village. We immediately ordered its destruction,” said Fatkhur Rakhman, a member of the Dispertan PP Karanganyar Veterinary Medical Team, on Thursday (28 May).

Fatkhur explained the case was detected at a slaughter point in the slopes of Mount Lawu. The sacrificial committee was ordered to bury the infected organs underground. “They must not be distributed. We also instructed the committee to check other internal organs like lungs. If white, cheese-like lumps are found, they must be destroyed as they indicate tuberculosis, which can spread to humans,” he stressed.

Despite the liver fluke case, Acting Head of Dispertan PP Karanganyar, Feriana Dwi Kurniawati, confirmed that overall, the sacrificial meat supply in the region is healthy and safe for consumption. Rigorous checks continue on internal organs including the heart, spleen, and other offal to ensure safety for recipients.

“As a whole, the inspection results of sacrificial cattle slaughtered across 17 districts are fit, healthy, and safe for consumption,” Feriana said. For future prevention, she advised the public or buyers of sacrificial animals to request deworming medication for livestock at least one month before slaughter. All clinical findings will be evaluated to map animal health cases in Karanganyar Regency. (WJ/E-4)