Indonesia is a FMD Free Country Since 1990

Indonesian Policy on the Prevention of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)

INDONESIA IS A FMD FREE COUNTRY

The first outbreak of FMD in Indonesia occurred in East Java in 1887 which spread out to many parts of the country. The second outbreak in 1962 occurred in Bali and was reported sporadically up to 1966. Since then no cases was reported for at least 10 (ten) years. In 1973 there was an outbreak in Jembrana, Bali due to illegal movement of buffalo from Banyuwangi, East Java. The last out break occurred in Blora, Central Java in 1983 and within 2 (two) weeks the whole provinces in Java became infected.

In 1986 Indonesia was stated as FMD free country and officially recognized by Office International des Epizooties (OIE) in 1990.

FMD OUTBREAK IN EUROPE AND SOUTH AMERICA IN 2001
At the end of February and March 2001 an outbreak of FMD was erupted in some European countries and South America preceded by FMD outbreak in the United Kingdom followed by outbreaks in France, the Netherlands and Republic of Ireland, Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil. The outbreak of FMD in Europe and South America has caused an importation ban on some commodities by other countries.

PREVENTIVE ACTION TAKEN BY INDONESIA
Considering the FMD outbreak in 2001 which occurred in Europe and South America, in order to safeguard the free status of FMD, Indonesia has implemented some actions as follows :

1. Strict restriction on importation of animal, animal products and related products from FMD infected countries through a Circular Letter from the Minister of Agriculture No. TN 510/94/A/IV/2001 concerning Refusal and Preventive Actions on the Introduction of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) (attached) which regulates the following criteria:

• total ban for some commodities from countries where the outbreak still exist.
• temporary ban for certain commodities from certain countries where outbreaks are under controlled
• total ban lifting, where the country has been officially declared as free of FMD by Office International des Epizooties (OIE).
The implementation of importation ban will be evaluated bi-weekly which focused on the progress of disease situation and control conducted by infected countries.

2. Conducting serological surveillance every year by Center for Biologic Products and field monitoring conducted by 7 (seven) Disease Investigation Center (DIC). Field monitoring is also done by diagnostic laboratories in the provinces and districts level particularly in the border areas with infected countries such as Malaysia and the Philippines, whereby the results are always negative.

3. Strict control on visitor movement who come from FMD outbreak countries at international airports and seaports. Obligation for passengers to declare on carrying belongings of animal origin and disinfections of passenger’s footwear. Disposal of garbage of aircraft and ship in port area are also implemented properly.

4. Public Awareness Campaign are conducted through electronic mass media and newspapers and distribution of leaflets and brochures for passengers from abroad, posters at airports and sea ports, extension for farmers, stakeholders and consumers related to the hazard of FMD.

5. Develop "Emergency Center for FMD" which coordinates communication between institution concerned and private sectors/stakeholders either in Indonesia or with other countries.