A participatory approach to enhancing cost-effective biosecurity in Indonesian feedlots

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) re-emerged and lumpy skin disease (LSD) emerged in Indonesia in early 2022, posing significant economic threats to the feedlot industry, which imports Australian-bred Bos indicus cattle. While the industry rapidly improved biosecurity measures, many were leading to unnecessary overspend with minimal effectiveness. This participatory project aimed to empower Indonesian feedlots and associated abattoirs to implement cost-effective biosecurity. The project engaged 22 feedlots and 11 abattoirs through workshops, site-specific risk assessments, and tailored recommendations. Within six months, adoption rates reached 65% for feedlots and 75% for abattoirs, with feedlot adoption further increasing to 75% by the project's end at 12 months. This initiative enhanced biosecurity practices, improved understanding of disease transmission, and instilled greater confidence in biosecurity measures across the industry. The changes will ultimately contribute to a more sustainable industry and national food security for Indonesia.