USDP -IPB Holds Seminar on Recent Issues in Medical Conservation of Indonesian Primate

Center for the Primate Study (PSSP) of the Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM), Bogor Agricultural University (IPB) held a National Seminar on "Latest Issues in Medical Conservation of Indonesian Primate to Support Human and Animal Well-Being", in Salak Tower Hotel, Bogor (29/11). This is a collaboration with the Center of Excellnece for Science and Technology of Indonesian Universities, the Association of Wildlife Veterinarians, Indonesian Veterinarian Association (PDHI), and USAID.

Head of USDP-IPB, Dr. Joko Pamungkas said now is the right moment based on capacity to discuss matters related to the conservation media. "Many human diseases come from primates. There are also many human diseases that are transmitted to animals. So how can we have a strategic role and take advantage based on sustainable aspects," he said.

Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), Dr. Siti Nuramaliati Priono said primates are the key species for conservation because they play an important role for the forest generation through the fruits and grains they eat. Saving primates means helping to save the mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, plants and various other species that live in the natural ecosystem in Indonesia.

Further, she said, the wildlife trade can lead to the transmission mechanism of disease at a level that not only causes outbreaks of disease in humans but also threatens wildlife population and ecosystem health. Some wildlife species imported for the purpose of hobby / pets may become the host of a disease that is dangerous for Indonesia and it can be a chance of entry of dangerous exotic diseases. Therefore, to be able to import wildlife one must comply with the existing rules or procedures.

In anticipation, the public need to be informed about the risks associated with wildlife. In addition, cooperation between professions or multidisciplinary science is to be improved to reduce the risk of emerging new diseases.

Head of LPPM-IPB, Dr. Prastowo, when opening the seminar on behalf of IPB, expressed appreciation to all participants in the seminar. "Let us together think of new ways to overcome the biological crisis through an interdisciplinary approach," he said. (Mtd)