RRI.CO.ID, Jambi - Ahead of Eid al-Adha, expected to fall on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, the Sarolangun Regency Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Agency in Jambi has urged residents to be more careful in selecting sacrificial animals to ensure the safety and quality of meat consumed during the celebration.

Head of the agency's Animal Health, Veterinary Public Health, and Animal Product Processing and Distribution, Deden Kusnandar, emphasized the importance of purchasing animals that have undergone health checks and are accompanied by official documentation.

“Buy livestock from areas unaffected by diseases and make sure there is a Veterinary Health Certificate from the place of origin,” he said.

He reminded the public to pay close attention to the physical condition of animals before purchase, including their activity level, appetite, and the absence of disease symptoms, particularly those related to foot‑and‑mouth disease.

Consuming sick animals is strongly discouraged because pathogens can be transmitted through meat and organs, potentially causing foodborne illness and endangering public health.

To strengthen livestock health, the agency has also intensified disease‑prevention efforts through vaccination programs. Deden noted that two major diseases remain a priority: foot‑and‑mouth disease (PMK) and Septicemia Epizootica (SE).

“PMK and SE are our focus because both are endemic in Sarolangun and pose a high risk of mortality, especially SE in buffalo,” he explained.

A case of SE was detected in February, but swift vaccination in affected zones successfully contained the outbreak. “Alhamdulillah, the situation has calmed, and no new cases have been found,” Deden said.

To support disease control, the Sarolangun administration has provided around 2,100 doses of SE vaccine, while the central government has supplied 1,000 doses of PMK vaccine.

Between 400 and 600 PMK doses have already been administered as a precautionary measure ahead of Eid al-Adha, amid increased livestock movement. In addition, hundreds of animals have been registered and are undergoing health monitoring before being sold.

The agency also called on mosque committees and slaughter points to maintain hygiene and sanitation during the slaughtering process. “Use clean facilities, maintain sanitation, and preferably use transparent plastic for packaging. Avoid mixing meat with offal to preserve quality,” Deden explained.

He stressed that these measures are not only about safeguarding animal health but also about ensuring food safety for the wider community.

With vaccination, monitoring, and hygiene protocols in place, the local administration is optimistic that Eid al-Adha in Sarolangun will proceed smoothly and safely, in line with veterinary public health principles. (Lasti Martina/Sri Wahyuni)