Australian producers back FMD vaccination in Indonesian feedlots

More than $1 million was allocated to Indonesia to pay for vaccination of Australian cattle going into feedlots. But not all has been used yet.

A foot and mouth disease vaccination program in Indonesia, backed by Australian producer funds has used just a quarter of the vaccines available.

Last year, Meat and Livestock Australia allocated $1.3 million to support the provision of 600,000 doses of FMD vaccine for Australian cattle entering Indonesian feedlots.

MLA Indonesian livestock services manager Helen Fadma said as of April this year, 144,016 cattle have been vaccinated though the program at a total cost of $543,144.

“The feedlots advised that they would continue to vaccinate their cattle upon arrival because of the importance of protecting cattle from FMD,” Ms Fadma said.

“If in the future there is support from Government of Indonesia for free vaccines, then they will co-operate and vaccinate their cattle based on the vaccines availability or the GOI vaccination program.”

Ms Fadma said feedlots had reported some issues in their stock after vaccination, including loss of appetite and fever for beef cattle, and a drop in milk production in dairy cattle for two to three days after they received the vaccine.

She said most cattle that went into feedlots only required one vaccination, as the monovalent vaccines, which provide protection against the one strain of FMD found in Indonesia, lasts about six months. Given most cattle are only on feed for 120-150 days, it allows protection before they are slaughtered.

Vaccination programs for FMD in Indonesia are continuing, with Australian producers funding programs in feedlots through Meat and Livestock Australia.

The MLA-backed project was received well by the Indonesian feedlot industry, Ms Fadma said.

“Indonesian feedlots have commented that the FMD vaccine support from MLA has been valuable as it helps considerably with overall operating costs,” she said.

“Furthermore, the feedlots said that the program information given by MLA was clear.”

MLA also provided portable yards for vaccination and Ms Fadma said these had allowed more than 2000 Indonesian cattle to be vaccinated for both FMD and lumpy skin disease as well as other animal health checks.

“The design of the portable cattle yards means the operator can easily and quickly assemble and dissemble the yards,” she said.

But she said moving the yards around on rough roads and through high terrains had been challenging.

“In some areas, the yard panels can be used as a raceway for animal handling, and not just for holding the cattle.” Ms Fadma said.

“Cattle owners and government officials working on animal health services find the portable cattle yards very useful and plan to use the yards in more areas in the future.”

Overall, about 12 million livestock have been vaccinated for FMD across Indonesia since the disease was found in the country about 12 months ago.