BLITAR – Veterinary officers in Blitar Regency have discovered 218 cases of liver fluke infections in sacrificial animals during Eid al-Adha inspections. Despite the findings, authorities confirmed that the distributed meat remains safe for public consumption.
The Blitar Livestock and Fisheries Agency carried out inspections at thousands of slaughter points during the Eid al-Adha holiday. Officers monitored animal health, slaughter procedures, and meat distribution across the regency.
Temporary data released on Thursday showed that officers had inspected 2,322 slaughter locations within two days.
During the inspections, officers found liver fluke parasites in 111 cows, 104 goats, and three sheep.
Head of Animal Health and Veterinary Public Health at the agency, Lusia Aditya, said officers immediately removed infected organs from circulation.
“We directly discard organs infected with liver flukes so residents do not consume them. The meat distributed to the public remains safe and fit for consumption,” Lusia said on Thursday.
She explained that the number of infected animals remained relatively low compared with the total number of sacrificial animals slaughtered this year.
According to agency records, residents slaughtered 1,227 male cattle and 180 female cattle during the monitored period.
Meanwhile, the number of goats reached 13,750 male goats and 114 female goats. Officers also recorded 493 male sheep and 14 female sheep.
Besides checking animal health, veterinary teams supervised slaughter activities and monitored meat distribution to local communities.
Authorities reported that residents had already received around 310,715 meat packages by the second day of Eid al-Adha celebrations.
Lusia warned that livestock owners should remain alert because liver fluke infections commonly affect grass-eating animals.
“Livestock can become infected because they consume grass and green plants that may contain parasites,” she explained.
Officials said infected animals often show several physical signs before slaughter. Their fur may appear rough, messy, or stand upright. In severe cases, some animals may also suffer hair loss.
After slaughter, officers carefully inspect the liver to confirm whether parasites are present.
This year, authorities deployed 2,289 halal slaughter personnel and monitoring officers to support inspections during Eid al-Adha.
The agency plans to continue inspections until three days after Eid al-Adha. Officials expect the number of monitored animals and liver fluke findings to increase as more slaughter activities continue.
“We will continue monitoring to ensure animal health and guarantee the safety of sacrificial meat distributed to the community,” Lusia added.
The inspection program forms part of the government’s annual effort to maintain food safety during one of Indonesia’s largest religious celebrations.