A team of investigators dispatched by the agency examined the dead chickens, which tested positive for bird flu.

'Initially, we received reports from residents in Pasar Baru, Muara Bulian district, saying that dozens of chickens had died suddenly. We then dispatched a team to examine the dead chickens, during which it confirmed an outbreak of bird flu,' said Hayatul Islami, head of the animal husbandry and fisheries agency, in Batanghari, Jambi, on Wednesday.

She said the agency, together with the owners of the chickens, burned and buried the dead birds safely to prevent the avian influenza virus from spreading further.

Hayatul said bird flu was common in Batanghari and the change in seasons had led the virus to spread faster.

'The virus is endemic in the regency and we have previously seen a number of bird flu cases in this area. The changing of the weather has worsened the situation,' she said.

Hayatul said the bird flu outbreak would spread further in Batanghari and other areas, therefore, local breeders must be alert to sudden chicken deaths in their areas. (ebf)(++++)

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