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Surra Emerges in Livestock in Sumba Island
Kupang: The spread of Surra (Trypanosomiasis) to livestock in Sumba Island, East Nusa Tenggara province, is difficult to stop because of weak control over horses coming from Surra endemic areas.
Horses from Surra endemic regions such as Bima, Sumbawa, Lombok, Bali, and Timor Leste are often brought into Sumba to participate in races or pasola events. These animals are suspected to have introduced Surra into Sumba.
”The spread of this disease is hard to stop, but we are acting quickly by isolating infected areas and conducting treatment,” said an official from the Livestock Service Office of East Nusa Tenggara, Ansgerius Takalapeta, in Kupang on Friday (27/8).
The disease was first discovered in March 2010. At that time, two horses were found sick in West Sumba. Microscopic examination of blood samples from both horses found Trypanosoma evansi, the blood parasite responsible for Surra disease.
Within 5 months, the disease has spread to other districts. So far, Surra has caused the death of 94 animals, comprising of 54 horses and 40 water buffalos outspread in West Sumba, Southwest Sumba, Central Sumba, and East Sumba. (PO/OL-9)
Source : Media Indonesia