BINTUHAN CITY, BENGKULU – This incident raised concern in cattle farmers in Kaur district. Unfriendly weather conditions increases the risk of disease in animals. In Gunung Terang village, Kinal subdistrict, 3 cattle died from Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD) within a day.

BVD can spread from cattle to cattle through direct contact between infected and susceptible animals. In this recent incident, BVD was identified 1 to 3 weeks after the case occurred.

BVD viruses could also be carried by other insects, such as flies. Young cattle with undeveloped immunity systems are those most susceptible to this disease, said Dr. Rahmat Fajar, staff of Kaur District Agriculture Services. Farmers or cattle owners are advised to watch out for BVD, especially with the recent uncertainty in the weather. Farmers should report any finding of cattle with symptoms of fever, weakness, and white discharge from the mouth and nose.

“If you know of any cattle with those symptoms, you should immediately report to us and we will vaccinate. The vaccine is to prevent BVD from spreading to other cattle. Although this disease is not as severe as other infectious diseases, BVD can cause death,” said Dr. Rahmat Fajar. He also stated that mortality rate during uncertain weather conditions, such as now, is quite high. However, it can be prevented if owners immediately report when their animals are sick. (cik)

Source: Rakyat Bengkulu