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AKASSAR, South Sulawesi: An avian flu outbreak has hit six South Sulawesi regencies, killing 18,000 chickens.

The head of the provincial animal husbandry agency, Murtala Ali, said Thursday that the infection had spread across the regencies of East Luwu, North Luwu, Pinrang, Soppeng, Sidenreng Rappang and Bone since September. He added that infections were also reported in Barru regency.

Murtala blamed changing weather patterns for the outbreak.

“The virus’ survival is very much dependant on the weather. This extreme change of weather may have triggered the outbreak,” Murtala said, adding that the spread of the virus was helped by the high mobility of chickens.

Four people admitted to Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital in Makassar on Sept. 29 for displaying symptoms of bird flu infection have all tested negative for the virus and have been discharged from the hospital. — JP