Indonesia Cautious on Bird Flu Infection Transmission to Humans

He also called on the public to always practice clean and healthy behavior (PHBS) and to report to the livestock service in the event of a sudden and large number of poultry deaths in their environment.

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He urged the public to visit a health facility at the earliest if they experience symptoms of bird flu and have a history of contact with risk factors.

Head of the Communication and Public Service Bureau of the Health Ministry Siti Nadia Tarmizi said that mitigating the transmission of the new clade of Avian Flu virus 2.3.4.4b in Indonesia is prioritized in areas related to poultry and wild animals.

"The focus of mitigation is on the location of poultry farms or wildlife conservation areas that require close monitoring of the possibility of bird flu transmission to humans," she said.

She said the Health Ministry had coordinated with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) for the prevention of Bird Flu.

In the meantime, the Ministry of Agriculture has positively identified the H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b virus through PCR testing and sequencing at unvaccinated Peking duck commercial farms in South Kalimantan.

"We have coordinated with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Environment and Forestry to anticipate this situation by holding a coordination meeting on February 15, 2023," she said.

"This is in response to circular letter of the Director General of Livestock and Animal Health - Ministry of Agriculture No. 16183/2023 on Increasing Awareness of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza subtype H5N1 Clade 2.3.4.4b," she said.

Source: State News Antara