The Role of Biosecurity in Preventing Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in Beef Cattle: A Review”

Abstract

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral infection that affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs, leading to severe productivity losses and major economic impacts. The reemergence of FMD in Indonesia in 2022, after decades of being declared disease-free, underscores the urgent need to enhance biosecurity implementation at both farm and regional levels. Biosecurity serves as the first line of defense against disease introduction and transmission through strict control of animal movement, equipment sanitation, vehicle disinfection, and human traffic management. This review comprehensively analyzes recent studies (2020–2025) from national and international scientific journals regarding the role of biosecurity in controlling FMD outbreaks in beef cattle farms. Key preventive measures include movement restriction, quarantine for newly introduced animals, regular cleaning and disinfection, proper waste management, and vaccination programs with antigenic compatibility. Integrated biosecurity systems combined with effective vaccination have been scientifically proven to reduce outbreak frequency, viral persistence, and reinfection rates within herds. Furthermore, sustainable FMD control requires enhancing farmer awareness through continuous education, providing adequate infrastructure and veterinary support, and enforcing government regulations effectively. Strengthening these strategies collectively ensures long-term disease prevention, supports livestock sector resilience, and promotes sustainable and competitive beef cattle production in Indonesia and beyond.