Pesisir Selatan,Pilarmedianusantara.com – The Agriculture Office of Pesisir Selatan Regency, through its Livestock and Animal Health Division, has called on livestock owners to increase their vigilance following the recent spread of cattle fever in several areas of the region.
Farmers are urged to promptly report any cases of sick or feverish cattle to animal health officers to ensure immediate treatment.
This appeal was conveyed by the Head of the Agriculture Office of Pesisir Selatan, Madrianto, during an interview on Friday (Jan 3) in Painan.
“In the third week of December 2024, our officers treated fever-affected cattle in Karang Sago Village, Bayang Sub-district. Immediate action was taken to prevent the disease from spreading further, as we suspected it might be a contagious illness,” he stated.
The treatment efforts in Karang Sago Village were led by Veterinary Medic Officer Syaf Jonedi.
Speaking to the media, Syaf Jonedi explained that cattle fever has started to spread across several areas, particularly during the rainy season.
“The rainy season indeed poses a higher risk of livestock diseases spreading. Based on this, farmers are advised to stay alert for symptoms of fever in their cattle,” he said.
He highlighted that symptoms could indicate illnesses such as three-day sickness or other contagious diseases like anthrax or foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).
Key symptoms to watch for in sick cattle include:
High body temperature.
Fatigue and loss of appetite.
Weakness in the legs, making cattle reluctant to stand.
Swelling in certain body parts.
Reduced milk production in dairy cows.
The primary causes of these diseases include bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections, exacerbated by damp and unsanitary environments.
“Preventive measures include cleaning cattle pens regularly to inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms, routine vaccinations to protect cattle from specific diseases, and regular health checks to detect early symptoms,” he advised.
Furthermore, farmers should ensure their cattle receive nutritious feed, adequate clean water, and proper care to maintain their health and resilience against diseases.
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