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By:  Erianto Nugroho & Nofita Nurbiyanti

 In celebration of Eid al-Adha 1435 H, which fell on Sunday, October 5, 2014, and in line with our mission to improve public role and capacity and provide information on animal health, veterinary public health, animal welfare and environmental health, Center for Indonesian Veterinary Analytical Studies (CIVAS) conducted several public awareness activities and provided medical checkups for sacrificial animals in Bogor city and district area.

The series of activities was started by a public awareness on good selection and treatment of sacrificial animals and good handling of meat and offal through the Indonesian Republic Radio (RRI) Pro 2 FM on September 24, 2014 at 09.00-09.15 Western Indonesia Time. Dr. Riana A Arief from CIVAS was interviewed directly by the radio host of program “Suara Kreatifitas”. This interview is expected to increase the understanding of Bogor citizens on how to prepare their sacrificial activities.

A week before Eid al-Adha 1435 H, September 27, 2014, public awareness on good selection, treatment and slaughter of sacrificial animals and good handling of meat and offal was given to board representatives (DKM) from 4 mosques within the office neighborhood. The activity was conducted in CIVAS Meeting Room from 09.00 to 12.00 Western Indonesia Time. Dr. Erianto Nugroho from CIVAS gave a presentation on “Sacrificial Animal Selection and Meat Handling”. Afterwards Dr. M. Toif Hidayatullah from the Livestock and Fishery Service Office of Bogor District gave a presentation on “Bogor District Government Policy on Sacrificial Animals and Preparedness against Infectious Animal Diseases”. The activity was ended with a question and answer session and videos on how to handle and slaughter sacrificial animals.

Antemortem (before slaughter) and postmortem (after slaughter) examination services of sacrificial animals during Eid al-Adha day was given to animals sacrificed at Nurul Yaqin Mosque, which is located near CIVAS office in Atang Senjaya administrative village, on October 5, 2014; and SMK Negeri 1 Cibinong, a vocational highschool, on October 7, 2014. A total of 10 sheep were sacrificed at Nurul Yaqin Mosque under the supervision of Dr. Erianto Nugroho and Nofita Nurbiyanti, BVM from CIVAS. Meanwhile, 3 cattle, 7 sheep and 1 goat were sacrificed at SMK Negeri 1 Cibinong under the supervision of Dr. Riana A Arief and Nofita Nurbiyanti, BVM.

Antemortem examination in both locations found all animals healthy and fit for slaughter. Postmortem examinations concluded all meat and most offal were fit for consumption. Pathological findings were all found on livers. The lesions were excised and disposed. Good slaughter and meat handling practices were also discussed with organizing committees from both locations before and during sacrifices to improve this year’s implementation and future sacrifice of animals. Additionally, presentation and discussion on sacrificial animal health and meat safety was given to SMK Negeri 1 Cibinong students involved in the Youth Red Cross extracurricular activity. Hopefully students will transfer the knowledge and information given to their family and community.**