Indonesia steps up anthrax control after case found in Yogyakarta

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3 hours ago

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s Agriculture Ministry has stepped up efforts to control animal disease in Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta, after an anthrax case was detected in Dadapayu Village, an official said on Sunday.

Director of Animal Health at the ministry’s Directorate General of Livestock and Animal Health, Hendra Wibawa, said the response involved local authorities and animal health officers.

“The response is being carried out in an integrated manner. Animal health officers and local authorities have conducted epidemiological investigations, provided livestock health services, carried out disinfection and vaccination, and conducted laboratory examinations,” Wibawa said in a statement.

The response also involved epidemiological investigations, livestock health services, disinfection, vaccination, laboratory examinations, animal health monitoring, as well as communication and public education.

“Surveillance is also continuing to monitor developments in the field,” Wibawa said.

He said the Gunungkidul Agriculture and Food Agency conducted an epidemiological investigation on Sept. 11, 2026, to trace the incident, assess the condition of livestock around the affected area, and collect samples for further examination.

On Sept. 12, officials disinfected affected livestock shelters, treated animals requiring medical attention, and provided vitamins to healthy livestock in the surrounding area.

The response continued on Sept. 14 with antibiotics and vitamins administered to 88 goats and 11 cattle in Dadapayu Village.

Anthrax vaccinations began on Sept. 28 for livestock in the surrounding area after the antibiotic treatment period ended, Wibawa said.

He urged residents not to slaughter, process, distribute, or consume livestock that are sick or have died suddenly.

He said prompt reporting would help officers conduct examinations and take early action, adding that public transparency in reporting information was important to supporting disease-control efforts in the field.

The Agriculture Ministry also urged the public to follow the instructions of animal health officers and consult them before moving livestock from areas under monitoring.