Jakarta (Antara Bali) - The government wants to reduce dependence on Australia for feedlot cow supply.
Animal husbandry and animal health directorate general Muladno said the country did not want to rely only one country for supply of feedlot cows.
"In addition the government is encouraging efforts toward self sufficiency beef," Muladno said.
Muladno said the country has been heavily dependent on Australia for feedlot cows and beef, adding Australia has been almost the only supplier.
Indonesia would be in difficulty if animal disease attacked Australia cows, he said, adding supplies to the country would be affected.
"Therefore we want to end the dependence on one country," he said.
Muladno said there are 31 countries that are potential as supplier and have been declared free from mouth and hoof disease and mad cow by the World Health Organization (WHO).
He said the law No.18 of 2009 that allows imports of cows only from countries declared free from mouth and hoof disease, would be revised.
Imports would be allowed from certain areas free from the disease in a country although that country is not entirely free from the disease. (WDY)
