Thousands of Cattle Evacuated to Anticipate Mount Agung Eruption
29 September 2017 16:36 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Agriculture Ministry through its Animal Husbandry and Health (PKH) Directorate General has evacuated cattle from numerous locations that are predicted to be affected by the eruption of Mount Agung in Bali.
PKH director general I Ketut Diarmita said that the government would evacuate around 20,000 cattle belonging to local residents.
“We had evacuated 2,443 cattle by September 28,” said Ketut today on Friday, September 29.
Read: PVMBG: Mount Agung in Bali Not Erupted
The animals, according to Ketut, were taken to livestock shelters that have been established in 30 locations in five districts. The evacuation itself was conducted by the livestock and animal husbandry joint task force comprised of provincial and national state agencies.
The task force is also assigned to identify the cattle and their owners. They will monitor the cattle’s health and welfare at each shelter and provide rabies vaccinations for dogs brought by their owners.
Read: Mount Agung in Bali Highly Active, Thousands Seek Refuge
Ketut revealed that the ministry has also issued a circular letter to districts and cities, reminding residents to stockpile as much cattle feed as possible to anticipate food scarcity during a volcanic eruption.
The government has set a 24-hour hotline for services related to cattle evacuation, handling, and health, available at 0812-3863-2084.
VINDRY FLORENTIN