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| UMM held counseling and community service to dairy farmers at KUD Tani Makmur, Senduro District, Lumajang Regency. (Photo : Istimewah) |
The presence of the Mouth and Nail Disease (FMD) epidemic that infects cows and goats is still a scourge for breeders. To overcome this problem, the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) held counseling and community service to dairy farmers in the Village Unit Cooperative (KUD) Tani Makmur, Senduro District, Lumajang Regency. The activity, which was held on Thursday (28/07), was also attended by the Division of Livestock and Animal Health of the Lumajang Regency Agriculture Service, the secretary of the Senduro District, Koramil, Kapolsek, as well as administrators and breeders of KUD Tani Makmur.
In her speech, the Head of the Livestock and Animal Health Division of the Lumajang Regency Agriculture Service, Sarifah, explained that the FMD outbreak had reduced the people's economy of Senduro District. There was also a decline in the cattle population at KUD Tani Makmur by approximately 1,100 heads. This decrease caused panic in selling and slaughtering livestock due to FMD.
"In addition, some residents also refuse to vaccinate livestock infected with FMD. It is due to farmers' limited knowledge about vaccination's positive impact. Therefore, I hope that this event will be able to understand farmers the importance of vaccination and how to deal with the FMD outbreak," said Sarifah.
On the other hand, UMM Livestock Production Lecturer, Dr. Imbang Dwi Rahayu, Drh., M.Kes. explained that the transmission of FMD can occur through several things, namely direct contact with infected animals and contact with people or equipment infected with the FMD virus. Spread can also occur through the air up to 10 kilometers. "The way to handle PMK itself can be done by early detection through handling dehydration, medical treatment, and forming a small team for handling PMK," said the lecturer from Tegal.
In addition to providing counseling, UMM Animal Husbandry lecturer Dr. Ir. Adi Sutanto, M.M., said that the lecturers also gave medicines to farmers. These drugs are vitamins, disinfectants, and probiotics. It is done to prevent or treat livestock that has contracted FMD. One of the drugs was also the work of a UMM livestock lecturer, Probiotic Plus Biofarm.
"On this occasion, we also motivate farmers affected by FMD. It is important so that the community can quickly rise from the epidemic. Alhamdulillah, this activity that we held was well received by the community. It is evidenced by the farmers' enthusiasm to ask questions during the question-and-answer session," he concluded. (cdr/*/syi)
