Parigi Moutong Regency intensifies livestock vaccination to prevent foot-and-mouth disease

Parigi, Central Sulawesi (ANTARA) - The Parigi Moutong Regency Government in Central Sulawesi is intensifying the livestock vaccination drive to prevent the transmission of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). “Livestock must receive the FMD vaccine, as the disease spreads quickly if rapid handling and early prevention are not carried out,” said Acting Head of the Livestock and Animal Health Service of Parigi Moutong, Wayan Purna, in Parigi on Tuesday. He stated that vaccination is essential to boost the immunity of livestock, making them less susceptible to viruses, particularly FMD. Therefore, the Parigi Moutong Regency Government is urging the public to participate actively to expand the livestock vaccination coverage in the area. In the initial phase, the local Livestock Service has prepared 1,000 doses of vaccine, which are being distributed gradually to several regions. According to him, the vaccination implementation is being carried out in a structured manner through three Animal Health Centres (Puskeswan) in Parigi Moutong. Meanwhile, the Head of the Animal Health and Veterinary Public Health Division of Parigi Moutong, Nurlina, explained that the programme not only aims to maintain livestock health but also to prevent the spread of FMD, which could cause economic losses for farmers. The inaugural 2026 vaccination was carried out in Hamlets 1 and 2 of Lebo Village, Parigi Subdistrict, on Monday (6/4) by a technical team led by Jumaria Hildawati, a Veterinary Medic and Coordinator of the Balinggi Puskeswan. “We involve 15 technical officers in each region,” she said. She explained that surveillance and early detection are crucial parts of FMD control, and the public is urged to report immediately if they find livestock showing symptoms such as blisters on the mouth and feet, fever, and decreased appetite.