TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Herwin Pisestyani, a lecturer at the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (SKHB) at IPB University, urged the public to be more careful when selecting sacrificial animals ahead of the 2025 Eid al-Adha holiday. Understanding the medical and religious criteria for animal eligibility is essential to prevent disease transmission.
"Sacrificial animals like cows, goats, and sheep are vulnerable to various diseases, including zoonoses that can infect humans," Herwin said in a written statement on Thursday, June 5.
One common zoonotic disease in goats and sheep is orf, a viral skin infection causing scabs and thickened skin around the mouth, nose, feet, and teats. It can infect humans through open wounds. Another concern is scabies, caused by mites like Psoroptes bovis and Sarcoptes scabiei, leading to itching, dull coats, and skin crusts—also transmissible to humans via direct contact.
Tuberculosis from Mycobacterium bovis is another serious risk, spreading through contaminated air or raw milk. "Humans may inhale infected droplets or be exposed through skin wounds," Herwin added.
Aside from zoonotic threats, he warned of animal-to-animal diseases such as pink eye, septicemia epizootic, hepatic fascioliasis, diarrhea, foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), and lumpy skin disease. Citing a hadith from Tirmidhi, Herwin said sacrificial animals must be healthy, not lame, blind, underweight, and neither too young or too old.
How to Choose a Healthy Sacrificial Animal
From a medical standpoint, a healthy sacrificial animal can be identified by several physical indicators. These include standing upright without limping, bright and alert eyes, clean and shiny fur, and a responsive demeanor toward its environment. A good appetite and normal activity are also strong signs of health.
Herwin said sacrificial animals should also be free of defects like broken horns, torn ears, or missing tails. Cows and goats should have grown their permanent teeth to meet the age requirement. "If that's hard to find, a one-year-old goat entering its second year is still acceptable," he said.
He also reminded Eid al-Adha committee members to enforce preventive measures that align with official animal health standards. If an animal gets sick or dies suddenly, they should report it immediately to local animal health officials.
Animals sold for sacrifice must have a valid Animal Health Certificate and be kept in proper holding areas. "They should be given food and water while being held, and fasted for 12 hours before slaughter, but still provided with drinking water," Herwin said.
Editor’s Choice: Eid al-Adha Traditions Across Indonesia, from Aceh to Bali
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
7 Facts About the Global Covid-19 Case Surge
6 jam lalu
The increase in Covid-19 cases worldwide has been occurring since mid-February 2025.
Eid al-Adha Traditions Across Indonesia, from Aceh to Bali
7 jam lalu
From Meugang for sharing meat in Aceh, Gamelan Sekaten, to delivering Ngejot-style food in Bali, here are the Eid al-Adha traditions in Indonesia.
Antam Gold Price Climbs Ahead of Eid al-Adha
7 jam lalu
The Antam gold price increased after fluctuating throughout the last week.
President Prabowo Set to Join Eid al-Adha Prayer at Istiqlal Mosque
8 jam lalu
President Prabowo Subianto will attend the Eid al-Adha prayer at Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta on Friday, July 6, 2025.
5 Essential Tips for Cooking Qurbani Meat in a Healthy, Flavorful Way
1 hari lalu
The following easy, practical tips can make qurbani meat odor-free, tender, and juicy.
10 Practical Tips for Healthy Qurbani Meat Consumption During Eid al-Adha
2 hari lalu
To fully enjoy Eid al-Adha qurbani meat without concerns, it's important to understand the proper and balanced way to consume it.
10 Cultural Festivals Across Indonesia to Visit in June, One in Bali
3 hari lalu
The month of June in Indonesia will be brimming with festivals and celebrations. Here are some of them.
5 Places to Visit during Eid al-Adha for Middle Eastern Travelers
3 hari lalu
Eid al-Adha is just around the corner, and these amazing places to visit during Eid are ready to welcome you for a truly exciting holiday experience.
Last Group of Indonesian Hajj Pilgrims Arrives in Saudi Arabia
4 hari lalu
The final group of Indonesian Hajj pilgrims arrived at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday, June 1, 2025.
Prabowo Buys 1.6-Ton Cow for Eid al-Adha at Rp90 Million from Local Farmer
7 hari lalu
Jamil Achmadi expressed his happiness and pride that his cow was chosen by President Prabowo.
