East Java BPBD builds 10 integrated posts to control FMD spread.

Surabaya (ANTARA) - The East Java Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) has established integrated posts (PMK) at 10 sites to contain the spread of the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).

"These posts aim to limit traffic and tighten the mobility of livestock entering and leaving the East Java region," head of the East Java BPBD, Budi Santosa, said in Surabaya on Thursday.

A total of 10 integrated security posts for FMD handling (PTP2 PMK) have been established at Banyuwangi ASDP Crossing, Ngawi toll exit, Mantingan sub-district, Jenu sub-district, and the access to Suramadu Bridge on the Surabaya side.

The posts have also been set up in Plaosan, Punung, Donorojo, Badegan, and Padangan sub-districts.

The integrated command posts will be supported by the regional BPBD, the Indonesian Defense Force (TNI), National Police (Polri), regional livestock services, regional transportation service, and the sub-district FMD task force.

The posts will monitor products derived from ruminants and pigs, as well as animal products susceptible to FMD such as fresh meat and skin.

Santosa also asked the BPBD offices in eight districts and cities to oversee the 10 FMD posts. The integrated FMD control posts will remain in place until July 15, 2022.

Further, to strengthen their functioning, the East Java BPBD will deploy monitoring teams at all integrated posts to check the progress and achievements in controlling the traffic of livestock vulnerable to FMD.

Prior to the establishment of the posts, the East Java BPBD also made efforts to prevent the spread of FMD by spraying disinfectants in animal markets, slaughterhouses, and livestock cages.

By early July, the East Java BPBD team had disinfected 32 districts and cities.

"We are targeting to disinfect 128 animal market locations, 112 slaughterhouses, and 28 animal cages," Santosa informed.

Later, an Animal Health Certificate (SKKH) will be required for inter-regional or inter-provincial livestock movement, except for entry or exit of livestock from Bali Island, which has been prohibited, he added.

Currently, the government has declared the FMD outbreak an emergency.

The stipulation of the emergency status was signed by the head of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), Lieutenant General Suharyanto, through Decree Number 47 of 2022 concerning the Determination of Certain Emergency Status of FMD.