Most PMK-infected cattle in Kudus recover, says local government

The Agriculture and Food Service of Kudus Regency, Central Java, has announced that most cattle previously confirmed positive for foot-and-mouth disease (PMK) are now recovering following treatment.

“Previously, there were 24 recorded cases of PMK infection. After treatment, the number has significantly decreased, with only three animals still in the recovery process,” said Arin Nikmah, Head of the Livestock Division at the Kudus Agriculture and Food Service, on Friday.

She noted that of the total cases, 14 animals have been declared recovered, three are still undergoing treatment, and seven were subjected to forced slaughter.

As a preventive measure, the agency is not only conducting outreach and education for farmers on maintaining pen hygiene and livestock health but is also intensifying PMK vaccinations.

She revealed that during 2026, the agency is targeting the vaccination of 2,500 animals, including both cattle and buffalo, against PMK.

“We have already completed vaccinations for 1,150 animals. Within the next month, we aim to administer the remaining 1,300 doses to approximately a thousand more animals,” she stated.

Following Eid al-Adha, she cautioned that newly introduced livestock entering pens should be prioritised for health checks and PMK vaccination.

She also reminded farmers to remain vigilant, citing a previous case where an infection in one animal spread to all others in the same pen, necessitating forced slaughter.

Therefore, she emphasised the importance of maintaining pen hygiene and conducting early health checks so that any animal showing symptoms consistent with PMK can be immediately isolated to prevent further transmission.