Health Ministry Initiates Info Drive Against G4 Swine Flu in Indonesia

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Indonesia’s Ministry of Health has begun the process of getting the country's pig breeders aware of the threat from G4 Swine Flu and what they can do to help keep this new strain at bay.

“What concerns us is that Indonesia has several pig farms in various provinces," said Director of Vector and Zoonotic Diseases Siti Nadia Tarmizi on July 9. "There is a large pig population in Indonesia of around 7 million pigs.”  

Read also: Indonesian Health Ministry on Alert for New Swine Flu Strain

The figure of 7 million pigs in Indonesia is based on data on the country’s farms.

The reality is that some Indonesians personally own and breed pigs for their daily needs.

To anticipate the G4 Swine Flu, Indonesia's health ministry has also begun monitoring pig farms and pig products in order to prevent any virus transmission.

Read also: Sudden Death of Over 800 Pigs in Indonesia Sparks Concern

“Healthcare facilities, namely community health centers (Puskesmas), have actively socialized the information on preventative measures and general information regarding the G4 Swine Flu. The community health centers have also shared public information on how to mitigate the virus early,” said Siti.

Siti emphasized the importance of early prevention such as avoiding direct contact from sick pigs, and using personal protective equipment when working or maintaining personal hygiene.

The director further reminded the Indonesian public to regularly disinfect stables, markets, or slaughterhouses.