Comment: New bird flu cases strike 11 regencies

March 1, p. 2

New bird flu cases have been detected in 11 of West Java’s 26 cities and regencies. Experts are blaming a lack of public awareness about the importance of cleanliness when handling poultry coupled with the effects of climate change.

Since Jan. 4, 2011, there have been 41 reported avian flu infections in humans in Indonesia, with nearly 33,929 chickens dead from the virus. West Java Animal Husbandry Office head Kusmayadi said Monday that the virus was spreading because of the unpredictable weather.

Your comments:

It’s too dangerous for residents who live in these regencies. There needs to be more attention from the central government to carry out monitoring, anticipation and action.

But, how and who must be responsible for this?

If the farmer just waits for help from the government, I think it will be too late. It’s better that the local stakeholders collectively take action to handle it.

Inaudi
Kotabumi, Lampung
 

As we continue to read about the resurgence of bird flu in Indonesia, I believe it is worth noting that one thing the Jakarta administration accomplished in the last few years was the eradication of chickens running around in the streets of the city.

Unfortunately in the last six months, I noticed the chickens are back on small streets. Would it not be wise to implement eradication of chickens once again?

Brian
Jakarta